Sixth-Plate Daguerreotype

Sixth-Plate Daguerreotype (1840 - 1855), 19th century portrait, vintage case, 2.75 x 3.25. 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.

This adorable 19th century portrait captures the essence of a round-faced, seated child. Clad in knickers and small boots, the little boy's cheeks have been enhanced with pink-tint. The image is bordered by a gold frame, which bears the engraved name, "Eastman," in the bottom right corner. The picture is further bordered by a gold block, much like gold-trimmed pages in a book. Housed in an embellished leather-bound, embossed vintage ase, the binding is encased in teal velvet. The interior of the front cover is lined in emblazoned red velvet and the exterior features floral designs with mother-of-pearl inlay. Although the cover is detached, the original closure clasp remains on both the front cover and back panel. 

In very good condition, with a detached front cover, scattered surface spotting and some darker areas along the border of the image.