Horseman by La Nina
SOLD April 2009 |
Half plate daguerreotype a horseman in a snow-covered landscape, by La Nina. Housed in a Washington Monument leather case with split spine and "Taken by La Nina" imprint on front pad.
Despite his fine clothes, this horseman has a rather gritty, Clint-Eastwood-like expression on his face.
This fine daguerreotype comes from a Virginia family with the last name of "Moore" who believed the man shown to be an ancestor, one Abner Moore, who lived in Richmond. They also believed that Abner was born in 1838 and that the image was taken ca. 1860 when he was 22 years old. Besides the fact that the image would seem to be more in the 1850s time frame, the presence of snow also leads to questions as to whether the image was taken in Virginia or in some more northern location.
The mysterious artist "La Nina" is known from other daguerreotypes but has not been placed as to location. John Craig's Daguerreian Registry indicates that at least one image by La Nina exists believed to have been produced in New York state.
Condition: A brilliant, rich plate. There is brushing in the upper left corner tarnish area where cover glass was broken, teeny green spots in peripheral areas, and a few small, faint wipes. Case has separated spine, leather loss, and other imperfections.
