Anonymous American Photographer

sixth-plate daguerreotype, with gilt detail and a modern seal, cased, circa 1850

This unusual sixth-plate occupational daguerreotype shows a draftsman concentrating intently upon his work. The compass (or other drawing device) he holds in his hand has been highlighted in gilt, as has the ring he wears on the little finger of his other hand. The image possesses a great deal of satisfying detail, and a full range of tones. The fabric of the subject's clothing, his hair and skin, the texture of the table upon which he draws, are all rendered in great detail. There is some faint uneven tarnishing on the left which does not diminish the impact of the image. The modern seal is of white paper tape.
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