This is a wonderful little Daguerreotype photograph. The photograph was produced circa 1850. This 6th plate photograph features two children facing us with very subtle hand colouring to their cheeks. The children remind us of the primitive oil paintings produced in America during the mid-19th century.

Daguerreotypes are highly reflective and act like a mirror and can only be viewed at certain angles. They are not designed to be displayed on a shelf like modern photographs. The only way to view a Daguerreotype photograph is by holding a dark background in front of the photograph, effectively using the photograph as a mirror to reflect the dark object in front of it. This takes a bit of patience for those not familiar with this early form of photography, but once mastered makes for a magical experience.

Measuring: Width 2 3/4 inch (7 cm) by height 3 3/8 inch (8.5 cm).

Condition: Some minor areas of discoloration and unevenness to the plate.