Lot 9

Lot 9

Thought provoking sixth plate daguerreotype of a scared little boy leaning on his nanny or mother. At first glance we thought this woman might be from India. However, her tightly beaded necklace reminds us of some Native American work we’ve seen. We will let the viewer judge her ethnicity as the more you look the more you may second guess yourself! Judging from the mat mark this was surely over-matted with a smaller oval opening showing just the child. We are curious about why the photographer has chosen a stiff sheet of fabric or heavy paper to cover the woman as this would view quite strangely on the perimeter of the mat. Also the “animal print fabric” or possibly an actual animal hiding under the child makes the image all the more intriguing. The young lad clearly feels protected by the woman and we love his bowl haircut, which isn’t often seen during this period. The woman has large soulful eyes that show a hint of sadness. The plate has very nice tones and contrast. There is some scratching as seen but with so many layers this one was irresistible.  We resealed the image and it is housed in a case that is about as “fresh stock” as you will find.