Lot 2

Lot 2

Hilarious sixth-plate daguerreotype of a young girl who is giving the photographer a true stink-eye! The brass mat is marked for C. Ward. Craig’s Registry has two C. Ward’s listed, but we feel this is probably Calvin Ward who worked in Springfield, MA as early as 1853. He later operated the Sunbeam Gallery and in 1858 worked with his son Francis for three years. The other listing is for Charles Ward who worked with his brother Jacob as itinerants. They possibly worked in NYC before taking daguerreotypes in South America, Cuba and Jamaica from 1845 to 1848. There evidently were conflicting reports that these two people were the same. While the girl obviously didn’t trust Ward, he certainly captured her in her full glory and the image was treasured by the family for years. Wearing a bright white dress, her arm rests on a table laden with books. Her beautiful curly hair is unruly on the right side and there is a nice light tint on her face and lips. The plate is in excellent minus condition with nice tones and contrast. Ward certainly had a well-lit skylight as this is one bright daguerreotype! It had old seals still attached and we have now resealed it with a new glass. It is housed in half of a case.

Opening bid: $70