Sixth plate seated studio portrait daguerreotype. N.p., ca. 1850s. Full leatherette case. 

This seated portrait captures a poised young woman adorned in a remarkable headdresses. Cascading around her hair and down onto her shoulders is an intricate, multi-strand headpiece composed of dense chenille pom-poms, framing her center-parted hair in a dramatic halo. Adding substantial interest to her attire is a distinctive dark oval brooch displaying what appears to be a miniature photographic portrait of a man pinned at the center of her collar. She rests her arm on a draped studio table, her dark dress accented by ruffled white cuffs.

Images featuring sitters actively displaying miniature photo jewelry add an intriguing meta-photographic element, while the sculptural headdress makes this image all the more captivating.

[Daguerreotype, Sixth Plate, Cased Image, Early Photography, 19th Century Photography, Victorian Headwear, Hairwork, Beaded Headdress, Photo Jewelry, Mourning Brooch, Victorian Fashion, Antebellum Portraiture]

Very good condition. The daguerreotype exhibits rich tones and sharp focal resolution throughout. We note only scattered pinpoint dusting and subtle peripheral edge tarnish beneath the mat. The original leather case remains complete.