It is extremely rare to see a daguerreotypist use every option available to them to showcase their work. We are fortunate to be able to present just such a piece. In this extraordinary quarter-plate daguerreotype the young girl wears a lovely, long, stylish dress; her pantaloons are visible at the bottom. She seems to be a little happier than her brother, who appears to be slightly disenchanted with the event. He wears a dress as well, accented with a large belt fastened with a lightly gilded oval buckle. A lovely, large doll with ringlets in her hair is posed to the left of the girl. To the right of the boy is a spectacular, rare toy steamboat on wheels, something a toy collector would be ecstatic to have in such perfect condition today. The wonderful background is one of the most elaborate we have seen. Done by an experienced artist, the great mountain and lake scene with beautiful foliage and flowers is a perfect setting for these children and their treasures.

This is a sharp image in overall excellent condition. It was unsealed when purchase and had been cleaned sometime in the past. There is one very small, pinprick-sized copper spot to the left of the girl’s head, in the edge of the flowering tree. An extremely light brush mark at the top of the mat is barely visible only at an angle. The image is enclosed in a black-lacquered, mother-of-pearl, hand-painted case that has a large amount of wear and a replaced spine. This is a truly special and unique image that will compliment any collection.

$4,500