Daguerreian Copy by Hollinger
SOLD October 2011 |
Large gilt-framed copy photograph after a daguerreotype, with extensive hand-coloring in oils, by William M. Hollinger, New York City, circa 1910. With reverse labels on both print and frame advertising Hollinger's copies after daguerreotypes, as well as family labels indicating that the sitters are "Mary Mayo Catlin and two of her sons." Overall dimensions of frame 12.25 x 10.25 inches (31x26 cm), visible area of print 8 x 6 inches (20x15 cm).
William M. Hollinger was noted in several period publications as being a relatively expensive photographer and as expert in the copying of daguerreotypes, even producing modern daguerreotypes from antique originals. This rare identified example of one of Hollinger's copies after a daguerreotype was very skillfully and attractively hand-colored in what appear to be oil colors.
The full text of Hollinger's labels read "Daguerreotypes and other old pictures Reproduced and Enlarged by a new method which preserves all the quaintness and charm of the original and adds the modern style of finish, thus producing wonderfully artistic and picturesque effects. We also restore Daguerreotypes to their original clearness. / Hollinger & Co. 582 Fifth Ave., N. Y. City."
Hollinger appears to have first moved to his 582 Fifth Avenue address in 1908, and remained there into the 1920s. The photographer's label on this image is an almost exact duplicate of Hollinger's ad as published in the journal "The International Studio" in 1908.
Examination of the print out of frame reveals the brass mat in which the original daguerreotype image was housed. The underlying print has been heavily colored in oils but appears to have a matte surface in untreated areas. The ornate oval frame appears original to the image as created in Hollinger's studio and is reminiscent of the framing used on 19th century hand-colored salt prints. Its gilt paint may have been refurbished at some point.
