Stirring half-plate daguerreotype of a stately gentleman attributed to Samuel Broadbent. According to Craig’s Registry, Broadbent reportedly learned the daguerreotype process from Samuel F.B. Morse, with whom he was shared a New York City studio until August, 1841.  Broadbent had studios in numerous locations over his career-including NYC, South Carolina, North Carolina, Baltimore, Delaware and Connecticut, but by the 1850’s he was known mostly for his work in Philadelphia. While not marked, this is a known Broadbent backdrop, the likes of which you will find in images at the Metropolitan Museum via their online collections.
This extraordinary portrait shows one of Philadelphia’s elite. With a little luck you might even be able to identify him.  He is a man of stature, as evidenced by his appearance and intimidating stare, and surely a shrewd negotiator in whatever line of business he operated. The daguerreotype is in excellent minus condition with lovely tones and contrast along with some marvelous facial flesh tones. There are some scattered small light tarnish spots as seen, mostly on his shirt. While these could easily be removed with a professional cleaning it would seem a shame to eliminate the lovely hues on his face for such a small matter. The plate had old seals tightly intact and we have resealed it now with a new glass.  It is housed in an Eickmeyer-style case that has some wear and was missing the bottom two rails.  We have fashioned replacements and covered them in pneumatic leather to match as best as possible. There is also a small spot on the back that has had some loss where another piece of older leather was added. This impressive, large image will compliment any collection! 
$575