Lot 27

Lot 27

Intriguing sixth-plate daguerreotype of two sisters. The image had been over-matted to present just the face of the young girl on the left. When we removed the mat we found a portrait of her older sister. In our opinion it didn’t make sense to exclude her so we invited her to join the party as they should always be together. Her eyes seem slightly cross-eyed and even the younger girl has a vacant stare. Maybe they were visually challenged or blind. Unfortunately, we will never know the reason why her sister was omitted. The older sister wears a strange tightly wrapped jacket while her sibling wears a traditional dress. They try to hold hands but even that seems awkward. The image has great tones and contrast. The oval mat mark is apparent and there is a very light swipe at the top of the older sister’s head with some tarnish and light lines along the perimeter.

Opening bid – $55