Sixth-plate daguerreotype plate under a rectangular heavy brass mat with rounded corners and a chased rope-and-scroll foliate preserver, housed in an open half-case of embossed brown leather lined with original velvet along the interior rim. Ca. early 1850s. Stamped along the bottom center edge of the brass mat face: "ATKINS". Plate measures approx. 2 3/4 x 3 1/4 in.; half case measures approx. 3 1/4 x 3 3/4 in.

A technically impressive pet portrait capturing a large family dog lying at rest across an eye-catching studio carpet woven in bold geometric stars and scrolling floral medallions. The dog is posed recumbent with front paws extended forward and head alert, sporting a white blaze down the snout, dark floppy ears, and an open mouth caught mid-pant.

Living animals are legendary rarities in the daguerreian era. Because exposure times in the early-to-mid 1850s typically required several seconds under bright skylight illumination, photographing canines without debilitating motion blur presented a monumental technical hurdle for early operators. To capture a relaxed, panting hound in reasonably sharp focus demanded both exceptional photographic chemistry and a well-trained, remarkably cooperative subject.

The mat bears the stamped hallmark of Atkins, likely documenting an early itinerant or regional New England daguerreotypist. Solo animal daguerreotypes of domestic companions without their masters stand among the most fiercely contested vernacular plates in 19th-century photography.

[Daguerreotype, Sixth Plate, Animal Photography, Dog, Newfoundland, Setter, Hound, Pet Portrait, Atkins, Painted Floorcloth, Geometric Carpet, 1850s Photography, Cased Image, Vernacular Photography]

Very good condition. The plate displays strong contrast and excellent tone despite the fidgety nature of the subject. We note what appear to be fingerprints on the upper left corner and middle right side of the plate.