Lot 1

Lot 1

There is nothing better when a daguerreotype arrives than that first view. You are filled with different emotions, including a little trepidation over whether it will live up to your expectations. Luckily there are rare moments when your hopes are not only fulfilled but exceeded. This was exactly the case when we opened this quarter-plate daguerreotype by Chase. Not only were our expectations exceeded but we are sure Chase couldn’t have been more proud of this piece; the sitter certainly treasured this masterpiece. Craig’s Registry lists a number of artists named Chase; however, this was most certainly Lorenzo G. Chase out of Boston. According to Craig’s, “Although he may have started as a daguerreian as early as 1840, assisting Joseph Pennell and A.S. Southworth, he was first listed as a daguerreian in Boston, Mass. from 1846 to 1848 over 299 Washington Street.” He worked in Boston until 1852, when he was listed in partnership with Hamilton in San Francisco but returned to Boston in 1854. 

This attractive young woman was certainly one of Boston’s elites in her stunning mink stole or cape. Her unique fringed bonnet frames her face perfectly and is tied with a long ribbon. An exquisite veiled cameo portrait is pinned between the ribbons and is attached to an additional pin inserted in the closure of her cape. We see a hint of an elaborate bracelet at the bottom perimeter. Technically this is as perfect of a portrait that you will find. The tonal quality is superior and the contrast between her white bonnet and dark hair is brilliant. The reflections on her mink are nothing short of spectacular with the fine hairs of the fur glimmering in the light. Chase has artistically posed her in a subtle semi-profile pose and she manages a slight smile with a glimmer in her eyes. There is a light tint to her lips. We have resealed the image with new glass and it is housed in a lovely colored and gilded, flower-adorned two image book style case in excellent condition. It is accompanied by an ambrotype of what we assume is her husband or brother. The portrait has nice tones and contrast with a few small marks as seen. You will not want to take your eyes off this one!