Lot 11

Lot 11

Rare quarter-plate daguerreotype of the Mullen family outside their Cincinnati home. Please also see the next three lots, which contain more images of the family. In this image, Jonathan Mullen stands on the left with his wife Frances “Franny”, (Kimball), Mullen. According to census data Jonathan was a furniture and fixtures maker. They had seven children, James A. born, 1834, Joseph K. 1836, Jonathan Jr, 1838, George, 1841, Emma, 1845, William H., 1848, Frances S., 1851. We aren’t sure of the exact identities of the children as the man on the right certainly looks older than their eldest son would be at the date of this daguerreotype.  Records show that Jonathan had just one sibling, a sister, and it appears Frances’ was an only child so the older gent wouldn’t be a sibling. There are later portraits of William Henry and Emma but with six people besides the parents present it makes identification uncertain. Emma died in 1849, so it is possible she isn’t even in this daguerreotype. The boy on the right of the group is leaning on a crutch, so he has either hurt himself before the family portrait or has a disability. One of the little ones decided to leave the family and lean on the baby carriage on the far right. The image is in very good plus condition with nice tones and contrast. We have resealed the plate with a new glass and it is housed in a full case. It is certainly uncommon to find an identified family portrait captured outside their home in the US.

Opening bid $450