One of the things I love about collecting images is the mystery of them. Who is this guy? Why did he decide to have his "likeness" taken on this day? What became of him after he had this wonderful 1/4 plate daguerreotype made? He may have heeded the suggestion by Horace Greeley to "Go West, young man. Go West and grow up with the country." Cincinnati was one of the stopping off points for those headed to california and other western destinations. Fontayne and Porter, the daguerreians who made this early masterpiece in the late 1840's, were already recognized as great photographers on par with most in the large eastern cities. He wasn't a farmer or river man -- not with those formal clothes -- but the long hair tells me he'd been in Ohio a while and had long given up at least some of his more refined eastern ways.
My favorite part of this image is his face which shows such determination and confidence. He doesn't look like someone who is going to let the grass grow under his feet. We'll never know if he stayed in Cincinnati or went farther West, but I'd bet my money that he was successful at whatever he did.
This image has a ding in the plate in the upper right quadrant that does not impact his portrait. It has some uneven tarnish that could probably be removed by a very conservative treatment, but I don't do that to images. This should only be done by a true expert. I did remove the original papers seals back in 1995 when I found this image and changed the glass (only) because it was filthy and about to cause real damage to the image. I resealed it with P-91 archival tape and noted that all 4 corners were barely clipped and all 4 sides were bent to the back by the plate holder. The only mark on the plate was a 40 in a square on the bottom right corner. The back was resilvered as was the custom of the great image makers like F&P.
This wonderful daguerreotype is as clear as a bell and as sharp as a tack. He jumps out at you from the dark background.
Please bid with confidence. I am a charter member of the Daguerreian Society. If you like early images and aren't a member, you should join. I will refund your money (less fees, shipping and any insurance) if this image is returned to me in the same condition it was sent to you within 3 days of receipt. Note my feedback. I have never had a complaint. Shipping is free to the US. I will ship this one anywhere, but a buyer outside the US will have to pay the cost of shipping and tell me how you want it shipped. Also, I can't be responsible for uninsured items once they leave my hands. If you want this item insured, add another $10.00.
Please check out my other items for sale under erg.
I am a collector of 19th century Louisiana images -- any subject, any format. If you have anything that might be of interest to me, please do not hesitate to contact me. I have collected all kinds of 19th century images for 40 years, so there's a pretty good chance I have something to trade (if you're so inclined) that would interest you.
If you're lucky enough to be going to the Dag Society Symposium, all I can say is that I wish I could be there. My day job keeps interfering with my fun. If you see any nice Louisiana images there, especially dags, please let me know.
Geaux Tigers!!!! Beat Bama!!!!
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