Fascinating sixth-plate daguerreotype of three very different sisters. While true they all appear quite somber for their portrait, their style of dress seems to speak volumes about their personalities. The oldest on the right is stepping into womanhood and fashion is foremost on her mind. She wears a lovely, patterned, white dress with a wonderful crocheted or lace fringed shawl. The photographer has even added a light greenish/yellow hue to her right sleeve. The middle sister on the left is the tomboy with a freckled face and wears a simple plaid dress. Her long hair has been braided in pigtails. The youngest in the back looks like the baby in the family. She wears an absolutely plain white dress (could it originally have been a bed sheet?) Curiously, she also appears to be wearing fleece gloves on her hands. She is also holding something in her hand, quite possibly a feather. Light tinting has been applied to the girls’ faces and lips. A lovely plate with very nice contrast it is in excellent condition with a thin line of perimeter tarnish. The image had old seals still fully intact and has now been resealed with new glass. It is housed in a full leather case with the cover a worn example of Jenny Lind (Berg 4-52). The back is a floral design, but the halves match the gold border and the hinge is intact. The outside rail on the back of the case has been replaced and there are no clasps.

$130