Anonymous American Photographer

quarter-plate daguerreotype, with a modern seal, in a half-case, 1850s

The daguerreotype appears to be in excellent condition. It captures its subject in great detail: the clapboard siding of the house is clearly visible, as are the shingles on the roof. The modern seal is of white paper tape. The half-case is worn and loose at the corners. This daguerreotype typifies how sophisticated many of America's early photographers were. The central placement of the great tree, in full-leaf, in the center of the image might seem to undermine the photographer's presumed goal of documenting the house. Within the composition, however, the tree's dominance anchors the image. The diagonal slope of the high hill on the upper right side of the image is balanced, on the lower left, by the upsweep of the road that curves around the house. While this image of the picturesque country house nestled into a bucolic setting falls squarely within the pictorial repertoire of the mid-19th century, the daguerreotypist's adept handling in this instance creates a complex but balanced composition, rendered without a trace of sentimentality.
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.