Lot 14

Lot 14

Heart-breaking half-plate mourning daguerreotype of Jonathan and Frances Mullen holding a sixth-plate post-mortem daguerreotype of their daughter Emma, who died in 1849 from the croup. The note reads that it was “captured fall of 1849.” Frances appears to be wearing a photo pin at her neckline and it could possibly be of Emma too, but it is difficult to see. Wearing respectful black outfits you can see the shear devastation on their faces. Frances appears numb while Jonathan fights back the tears. Jonathan would die seven years later in 1856. In 1860 the rest of the children appear to still be living at home helping their mother. The plate is identified with a velvet mat mark for Hawkins Apollo Rooms. According to Craig’s Registry, “Ezekial C Hawkins reportedly opened his first daguerreian rooms in 1840 in Cincinnati, Ohio; he claimed later that his was the first gallery in the city, and the second in the United States. Another source indicated that Hawkins opened his rooms on August 27, 1841, opposite the Post Office, and in partnership as Hawkins and Todd. In October, 1841, he moved his gallery to the corner of Main and Fourth Streets, over Mr. Luckey’s store.” From 1848 to 1852, Hawkins was listed in Cincinnati as a daguerreian in the Apollo building, northwest corner of Fifth and Walnut Streets. He was apparently in business at his “Apollo Rooms” with John P. Hawkins, variously identified as his brother or his nephew. The daguerreotype is in very good plus condition with strong tones and contrast. There is an extremely light tint to their lips and we see some light buffing lines at an angle. There are also a couple tiny mat marks as seen. We have resealed the plate with a new glass and it is housed in a lovely full case with the cover being the exact design as the one with Emma’s half-plate daguerreotype.

Opening bid $470