Lot 9

Lot 9

Treasured quarter-plate French daguerreotype of two sisters who are identified in period handwriting on the back. The older daughter on the right is Caroline, aged 10. The cursive writing with the other girl’s name is almost indecipherable, but she is 7 years old. The portrait was done in 1856. This tender image captures the sisters in identical gorgeous checkered gowns with black highlights and buttons. Caroline places her hand on her sister’s shoulder as she appears apprehensive of the process. The young girl’s hand creeps towards her sister’s hand on her lap for additional support.  

The image is in excellent minus condition with very nice tones and contrast. It had old seals still attached on the back and the plate mark is Ninet. V OR 40. We assume this was from Alphonse Ninet who according to the Directory of Belgian photographers was a manufacturer and supplier of daguerreotype plates in Paris 1852-64.  The paper where the identifications are located had been opened down the middle for a view inside at some point. We suspect someone was looking for additional information on the girls or the photographer.  We cleaned the inside glass and have resealed the image. The passe-partout has beautiful jeweled glass highlights but it does have some loss as seen. It is housed in a plain black wood oval frame that has some wear. It has a large hook that extends off the back for hanging.