Quarter plate seated portrait daguerreotype. N.p., ca. 1850s. Full leatherette case. Front case lacquered and features mother-of-pearl inlays and gilt accents. 

The crisp plate captures a faithful photographic copy of an earlier painted portrait, likely executed around the 1820s or 1830s, depicting a distinguished, white-haired gentleman seated in a high-backed armchair with hands clasped in his lap. The subject is styled in a high white stock, white waistcoat, and dark broadcloth coat against a classical architectural background with a column and drape.

Daguerreotypists frequently photographed family oil portraits and miniatures to preserve deteriorating artwork or provide duplicates for family members. This particular example is preserved in a complete upscale, hand-decorated mother-of-pearl papier-mâché case. 

[Daguerreotype, Quarter Plate, Early Photography, 19th Century Photography, Painted Portrait Copy, Federal Era, Cased Images, Papier Mache Case, Mother of Pearl, Lacquered Case, 1850s Photography, Folk Art Case]

Very good condition. The daguerreotype plate retains excellent tonal definition, smooth midtones, and strong contrast with light, scattered dusting and minor pinpoint spots under the original glass. The exterior lacquered case displays fine overall craquelure, bright mother-of-pearl iridescence, crisp hand-painted gilt and enamel detailing.