Attributed to Louis Jules Duboscq

stereoscopic daguerreotype, gilt-bordered black passe-partout, with the original black paper edging, a printed 'From C. W. Dixey, Optician to the Queen, 3, New Bond Street.' label on the reverse, 1855

Acquired in London, 1980

Stanley B. Burns, Mirror Mirror: The Burns Collection Daguerreotypes (New York: The Burns Archive Press, 2012), pl. 140

These fascinating stereoscopic daguerreotypes show a taxidermy goat on a display table. The plates are in essentially excellent condition, and show a great deal of detail throughout. An uneven, thin border of tarnish follows the passe-partout shape, primarily at the upper and right edges. Scattered tiny black specks visible in the left image are likely loose paint flecks from the passe-partout mat. Upon very close examination in raking light, tiny pitting is visible overall. These issues do not diminish the fine quality of this still life image. The passe-partout is flecking unevenly, primarily in small areas near the upper, left, and right edges. The paper backing and seal remains intact. There is a small loss to the paper on the reverse at the lower left corner.
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This charming stereoscopic daguerreotype, depicting a taxidermy goat, is likely the creation of Louis Jules Duboscq, the great French optical and photographic equipment manufacturer.  Duboscq was introduced to the stereoscope in 1850 by Scottish physicist David Brewster and his firm, Duboscq-Soleil, began manufacturing these devices.  Duboscq’s initial daguerreotype views for the stereoscope were somewhat primitive, consisting of two successive exposures wherein the camera was moved slightly between exposures.  Duboscq gained notable acclaim after his device and daguerreotype stereoviews were shown at the Great Exhibition of 1851 at the Crystal Palace in London and enjoyed by Queen Victoria.

The label on the reverse of this daguerreotype advertises ‘C. W. Dixey, Optician to the Queen,’ the New Bond Street optical instrument maker and retailer.  Other comparable stereoscopic daguerreotypes of animal still life by Duboscq are in the Howarth-Loomes Collection at National Museums Scotland.