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Invented in 1839 by Louis Daguerre, daguerreotypes were the favorite form of printed portraits throughout the 1840s and 1850s.
Daguerreotypes are silver-plated copper, almost mirror-like plates, that are painted with light sensitive chemicals. After an image is exposed on a plate it is treated with mercury to reveal the image. It is then fixed to remove its light sensitivity and often sealed behind glass in a union frame or brooch to protect it.
Because of the prolonged sitting time needed to create this type of image, many of the people posing for portraits often look stern and stiff.
This heartbreaking portrait is of a deceased young woman dressed in white and lying in her coffin. A small bouquet of flowers are placed in her hands. It has been hand tinted to bring out the color of her skin and the flowers, which was quite common with daguerreotypes.
She is set inside a stunning, velvet-lined decorative union case.
A type of non-porous thermoplastic, union cases were made by heating and mixing sawdust, wood fibers, color dye and gum shellac before pressing the "union" of materials into a mold.
A wonderful addition to any photography or daguerreotype collector!
Additional Details
Date: 1840s-1860s
Materials: Glass, thermoplastic, metal
Measurements: 3 1/8" x 3 1/2" x 3/4"
Markings: None
Condition: Very Good
There are quite a few spots of verdigris on the daguerreotype from oxidation of the copper backing. Due to the delicate nature of this type of photography, it is recommended it only be cleaned by a trained professional -- which we are not. We did, however, clean the glass for a clearer view. The outside of the union case shows signs of age, especially the front. The case was stored above a garage for a number of years and the front looks and feels dry. The back looks as good as new.
Cleaning and Care
Keep the union case in a cool, dry, dark place. Do not expose to heat or sunlight or it will warp. Do not expose the daguerreotype to direct light as it will cause the image to fade. Wipe with a soft, dry microfiber cloth if needed.
