Daguerreian Broach with Nun
SOLD April 2011 |
Unusual daguerreian broach containing the daguerreotype image of a smiling nun, anonymous French circa 1840s. The sitter wears a crucifix and holds a breviary and rosary. Overall dimensions of broach approx. 2 x 1.5 inches (48x37 mm).
The sitter looks to be quite a cheerful old nun. One can understand why some female friend, relation, or co-religionist might chose to carry her image as a piece of wearable jewelry.
The metal of broach has a rich golden surface, I have not had time to determine whether this is simply gold plating or indicates a more substantive gold content. In general I am told gold plating is the most likely construction.
The image itself has 1840s era appearance including a white drop cloth hung behind the sitter.
There are abrasions to the plate including vertical "buffing" type abrasion; overall appearance of image is attractive and readily viewable. Image resealed behind what appears to be original, slightly beveled octagonal cover glass. Image is somewhat loose in broach, I believe due to missing backing that would have fit in broach behind the image. Replacing this backing would make the image more secure in its housing.
