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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 lovely portrait is of a young woman with ringlet hair, kind eyes and a sweet face. It has been hand tinted to bring out the rosiness of her cheeks, 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: 1850s
Materials: Glass, thermoplastic, metal
Measurements: 1 7/8" x 2 1/16" x 5/8"
Markings: None
Condition: Very Good
There is a couple of little rough spots on the outside front and top corner of the union case that almost looks like it has been burned or melted with something acidic. There is a lot of dirt under the glass. We did not attempt to disassemble and clean this piece. We will leave that option up to the buyer.
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.
