Anonymous American Photographer

sixth-plate daguerreotype, with extensive hand-tinting, with a modern seal, cased, 1840s

This daguerreotype was hand-tinted by a talented and sensitive colorist. It is rare to see a daguerreotype that posseses the full compliment of its original hand-tinting, and even rarer to see an example of hand-tinting that truly enhances the daguerreotype. The hand-tinting is all subtlety and exactitude: the dress is a soft shade of ultramarine, the hair ribbons are rose-colored, and the fleshtones are rendered with such skill as to convey a very life-like effect. Examination under magnification shows the special care the colorist took in tinting the sitter's eyes, cheeks, and lips. The plate is essentially in excellent condition. There is some minor tarnishing on the periphery of the image, but this does not intrude into the image in a significant way. The modern seal appears to be masking tape, or something similar. The leather case is separated at the hinge.
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