Lot 13

Lot 13

Engaging quarter-plate European daguerreotype portrait of an artist or scholar.  Posed semi-profile this white bearded gentleman exudes a wealth of knowledge whatever his chosen career. Posed in his red hat with a blue tassel he peers through his wire rim glasses as he holds his cane close to his body. He appears to be studying the technique of the daguerreotypist and if his portrait will meet his standards. We certainly think it did as this image is in excellent minus condition with an ever so slight soft focus as seen. The provenance from the auction house where purchased was attributed to John Wood, one of the founding members of the Daguerreian Society and author of numerous photography books. It is presented in a plain leather case which has some loss and crackling. The inside though is quite brilliant with a light green silk pad and a stunning dark green velvet surround. 
We have some new information regarding this daguerreotype thanks to Michael G. Jacob. Michael published this plate in his book on daguerreotype coloring, entitled “Il Dagherrotipo a Colori” (Nardini Editore, 1992). The book was published in Italy only. Michael and John were friends and Michael relayed, “John told me that the man in the red fez also appears wearing a similar fez in a painting by the French Impressionist artist, Edoard Manet. The picture is entitled “A Concert in the Tuileries.” John wondered whether it might even be a discreet self-portrait, a sort of painted signature within the painting, by Manet himself.” We did find the man with the red fez hat in the painting on the back left side but as far as a self-portrait we will leave that for the viewer to decide.