Heart Throb by Whipple
SOLD October 2010 |
Fantastic sixth plate daguerreotype of a well-curled young beauty, studio of John Adams Whipple, Boston, circa 1855. Housed in a black push-button case, light applied coloring in red to cheeks and lips.
This stunning young thing has the appearance of being freshly equipped for conquests at some society ball. Her elaborate hanging curls have been arranged to include a small lovelock-like wisp projecting beside one eye, while evidence of a ribbon's involvement projects behind. Her pert look would seem to indicate that the get-up is part of some larger scheme, beyond a mere visit to the photographer.
Behind the sitter we see the ornate and complex backwork of one of Whipple's studio chairs. Written into the case behind image are the words "18 years old."
