Sixth-plate daguerreotype plate under an arched sand-finish gilt brass mat and chased foliate preserver, housed in a hinged miniature pressed-leather case with rounded corners, lined with rich plum velvet and retaining original brass closure hardware. Ca. 1850 - 1855. Plate measures approx. 2 3/4 x 3 1/4 in.; case measures approx. 3 1/4 x 3 3/4 in.

Charismatic portrait uniting two of the most enjoyable crossover motifs in early photography: smoking, and a pampered canine companion.

The gentleman is captured half-length with effortless, dapper poise, sporting thick wavy hair, a meticulously groomed full beard, and a fashionable mustache. Clamped firmly between his teeth is a lit, slender cigar angled slightly upward with quiet defiance. He is dressed in dandyish sartorial splendor, wearing a tailored dark broadcloth frock coat with wide lapels over a matching waistcoat, crisp white wing collar, and a voluminous dark silk cravat.

Resting comfortably on a floral studio table is his fancy long-haired lap dog, looking directly toward the lens with alert eyes and perked ears. The subject gently rests his left arm near the dog, highlighting the close bond between master and pet.

The combination of a cigar-smoking dandy paired with his thoroughly groomed toy dog makes this composition a memorable character study.

[Daguerreotype, Sixth Plate, Tobacciana, Cigar, Smoking, Cigar Smoker, Dandy, Full Beard, Mustache, Dog, Canine, Maltese, Poodle, Toy Dog, Pet Dog, Floral Damask, Victorian Fashion, Cased Image, 1850s Photography]

Very good condition. The plate displays exceptional contrast and razor-sharp focal clarity. The plate surface exhibits scattered natural mold spiders and minor tarnish along the far edges of the mat opening.