Anonymous American Photographer

group of 4 cased images of Children, comprising a quarter-plate ambrotype of Four Young Students, a quarter-plate daguerreotype of a Boy With a Drum; and two sixth-plate daguerreotypes of Young Girls, cased, 1840s-50s (4)

Ambrotype of Four Young Students – a beautiful tableau showing young children posing with books, slate, lunch pail, and a rustic floral bouquet. This is a very strong image, with a full tonal range, in near excellent condition. Quarter-plate daguerreotype of a Boy With a Drum – with an old, likely original, seal. There is very faint red tinting on the child's sleeves. The plate has a fair amount of tarnish, including faint circular warm-toned spots in the image, and blue-green tarnish around the periphery. Not a perfect plate, but the charm of the subject is undiminished. The case is separated at the hinge. Sixth-Plate daguerreotype of Young Girl Posing at table – a lovely study of a young girl in a gingham dress, posing with a compendium of Edward Bulwer Lytton's novels. The plate lacks a seal, and is in near excellent condition. A lock of hair, presumably the sitters, is housed in an envelope and placed behind the image in the case. Sixth-Plate daguerreotype of a very young girl, seated – this very young child is being held in place by a supportive arm visible on the right side of the image. The plate is in essentially excellent condition. This daguerreotype has a modern paper-tape seal and is in a half-case.
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