Anonymous Photographer

half-plate daguerreotype, with a modern seal, cased, 1840s

This impressively detailed half-plate daguerreotype, of an unusual subject, is in very good condition. The plate renders the gaucho's many-layered gear with great clarity; the textures, weaves, and patterns of his clothes are all visible quite clearly, as is the floral design on the carpet. This expertly-executed portrait conveys the bravado of its subject and has a great deal of presence. When the plate is examined closely, a series of fine scratches can be seen on its surface, at the periphery of the image on the right and left edges. These are presumably due to contact with the mat at some point in the past when the mat was unsecured. These scratches are quite faint and do not announce themselves upon one's initial viewing – they have to be looked for to be seen. As visible in the catalogue illustration, there is an accretion of indeterminate nature on the right side of the image, about even with the subject's elbow. Another similar, although less visible, accretion is located just to the right of the subject's cheek, in the bandana. None of these condition issues detracts from the overwhelmingly fine appearance of this remarkable image. The plate has been expertly resealed with archival paper tape. Remnants of the original seal are present in the case, which is separated at the hinge. The back of the plate is silvered, suggesting that it was electroplated.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

This half-plate daguerreotype of a charismatic young man shows its subject outfitted in the clothing of a gaucho.  A gaucho was a cowboy of the South American pampas, the expansive grassy plain extending through Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, and Brazil.  In the nature of their work, and in their mystique, gauchos held -- and still hold -- a position in South American culture similar to their North American cowboy counterparts.  They were known as colorful, although frequently solitary, characters who essentially lived on horseback, capable of acts both of bravery and violence. 

The style of this daguerreotype, and its mat and leather case, strongly suggest that it was made by an American daguerreotypist.  The portrait shows its subject in authentic gaucho habiliments.  Over his greatcoat, the subject wears the characteristic poncho.  His trousers are the typical loose-fitting bombachas, over which is layered a protective cloth garment called a chiripá.  These are fastened with a wide leather belt, festooned with silver coins, known as a rastra, and in it the gaucho carries his long-bladed facon knife, more typically worn at the back.  In his hand, the gaucho holds the end of a type of whip called a rebenque.