The Road Less Traveled
SOLD February 2001 |
English stereo daguerreotype showing the approach to a small town, 1840s or 50s, with original seals and letterpress imprint on reverse "Craig's Stereoscopy".
The windows in the paper mat are uneven and appear hand-cut, perhaps the work of an amateur daguerreotypist, despite the imprint on reverse, which would also account for the unique subject matter. While London daguerreotypists like Claudet produced large numbers of portrait stereo daguerreotypes in studio settings, it is unusual to see a stereo daguerreotype of the English countryside.
An inviting country road and the idyllic town nestled further along its path immediately call to mind the traditions of English pastoral poetry and its celebrations of country life.There is a slight doubling of exposure in the distant buildings. The stereo effect is very strong and makes us realize that we have a longer walk ahead of use before reaching the cottages than might be apparent when viewing in mono. Some attractive bluing in the right plate, both plates are crisp. There is a crack in the right bottom corner of cover glass, and dirt under the glass.
