Half-Plate Daguerreotype

Half-Plate Daguerreotype (1840 - 1855), 19th century portrait, vintage case, 4.25 x 5.5. The daguerreotype photograph, developed in 1839 by Louis Daguerre, was the very process that would make history as the first publicly announced and commercially recognized photographic process. This type of image can be identified by its mirror-like surface of metallic silver which, when tilted, may virtually disappear.

Featured here is a 19th century couple portrait of a young wife and husband with pink-tinted cheeks, seated next to each other. Image is bordered by an embellished gold frame. The interior of the front cover features intricately-emblazoned purple velvet lining, and although the case is separated at the hinge, all but one of the original closure clasps are still intact.

In very good condition, with spotting to the frame and glass, some silvering to the image, a separation at the hinge and light wear to the case.