Victorian Gentleman | Daguerreotype Portrait in Thermoplastic Union Case | Circa 1848–1858
Historical Context & Origin
Region: United States
Material: Silvered copper daguerreotype photograph, thermoplastic (Union) case, gilt brass mat, velvet lining
Period: Mid-Victorian Period, Circa 1848–1858
Description
This authentic Victorian-era daguerreotype portrait depicts a distinguished gentleman presented within an attractive thermoplastic Union case. The sitter is shown wearing formal mid-19th century attire consisting of a dark coat, waistcoat, white shirt, and cravat, reflecting the fashions of the early Victorian period.
The portrait is housed behind its original decorative gilt brass mat and protective glass. Opposite the image is the original purple velvet facing panel adorned with an embossed floral motif, creating an elegant presentation typical of quality American daguerreotype cases produced during the golden age of early photography.
The exterior case features richly molded floral and foliate ornamentation surrounding a central basket of fruit motif. Such decorative designs were widely employed on thermoplastic cases during the 1850s and symbolize abundance, prosperity, and domestic refinement.
Daguerreotypes were the first commercially successful photographic process and remain among the most historically important forms of early photography. Each image was produced directly onto a silver-coated copper plate, creating a unique, one-of-a-kind portrait without a negative.
Features
Authentic mid-19th century daguerreotype portrait. Original thermoplastic Union case. Decorative gilt brass mat and original glass. Purple velvet interior facing panel with embossed floral design. Well-preserved Victorian gentleman portrait. Attractive fruit basket motif on exterior case. One-of-a-kind photographic image.
Cultural Significance
Daguerreotypes revolutionized portraiture by allowing ordinary individuals to preserve their likeness with remarkable realism for the first time in history. Surviving examples such as this offer a direct visual connection to the people, fashions, and social customs of the Victorian era and remain highly collectible among photography and Americana enthusiasts.
Condition
Good antique condition overall. The case remains structurally sound with functional hinges. The daguerreotype exhibits expected age-related surface wear, minor tarnishing, scattered spotting, and light scratches consistent with age and handling. Velvet lining and gilt mat remain present with typical wear from age. Overall an attractive and displayable example.
Dimensions (Approximate)
Length: 3 in
Width: 2.5 in
Age (Approximate)
165–175 years old
Provenance
From a large private collection in Carmel, Indiana, USA, specializing in antique photography and early photographic processes.
Learn More
Explore the history of early photography and the development of daguerreotype through The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Browse our curated Victorian Artifacts & Historic Relics Collection
Historical Context & Origin
Region: United States
Material: Silvered copper daguerreotype photograph, thermoplastic (Union) case, gilt brass mat, velvet lining
Period: Mid-Victorian Period, Circa 1848–1858
Description
This authentic Victorian-era daguerreotype portrait depicts a distinguished gentleman presented within an attractive thermoplastic Union case. The sitter is shown wearing formal mid-19th century attire consisting of a dark coat, waistcoat, white shirt, and cravat, reflecting the fashions of the early Victorian period.
The portrait is housed behind its original decorative gilt brass mat and protective glass. Opposite the image is the original purple velvet facing panel adorned with an embossed floral motif, creating an elegant presentation typical of quality American daguerreotype cases produced during the golden age of early photography.
The exterior case features richly molded floral and foliate ornamentation surrounding a central basket of fruit motif. Such decorative designs were widely employed on thermoplastic cases during the 1850s and symbolize abundance, prosperity, and domestic refinement.
Daguerreotypes were the first commercially successful photographic process and remain among the most historically important forms of early photography. Each image was produced directly onto a silver-coated copper plate, creating a unique, one-of-a-kind portrait without a negative.
Features
Authentic mid-19th century daguerreotype portrait. Original thermoplastic Union case. Decorative gilt brass mat and original glass. Purple velvet interior facing panel with embossed floral design. Well-preserved Victorian gentleman portrait. Attractive fruit basket motif on exterior case. One-of-a-kind photographic image.
Cultural Significance
Daguerreotypes revolutionized portraiture by allowing ordinary individuals to preserve their likeness with remarkable realism for the first time in history. Surviving examples such as this offer a direct visual connection to the people, fashions, and social customs of the Victorian era and remain highly collectible among photography and Americana enthusiasts.
Condition
Good antique condition overall. The case remains structurally sound with functional hinges. The daguerreotype exhibits expected age-related surface wear, minor tarnishing, scattered spotting, and light scratches consistent with age and handling. Velvet lining and gilt mat remain present with typical wear from age. Overall an attractive and displayable example.
Dimensions (Approximate)
Length: 3 in
Width: 2.5 in
Age (Approximate)
165–175 years old
Provenance
From a large private collection in Carmel, Indiana, USA, specializing in antique photography and early photographic processes.
Learn More
Explore the history of early photography and the development of daguerreotype through The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Browse our curated Victorian Artifacts & Historic Relics Collection
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