Lad in Military Style

Sixth Plate Daguerreotype | His spiffy gray jacket sports no less than twenty-five brass buttons — arranged in the style of a military jacket. The tailoring and the white pants suggest a cadet, but give the boy’s age (8 years old?) this outfit simply reflects the male fashions of the early 1850s. Perhaps his father and brothers participated in the local militia. I like the na•ve composition: the boy at full length claims the center. Resting his hand on table with a very showy fabric covering, which the daguerreotype process reproduces in bold realism. You can just see the foot of the posing stand that helps the lad stay still; a cloth backdrop hangs behind him, so this daguerreotype may be the work of one of the many itinerant artists who traveled the countryside, creating portraits in the smaller cities and towns.

Condition: Generally excellent; exceptional tone on white pants; a noticeable spot of corrosion in the upper right corner. Modern archival seals. In a full vintage case with original binding intact. Plain red silk pad faces the portrait.

Key points: Ante-bellum cadet style. Bold. One major spot. Circa 1852. Sixth Plate American Daguerreotype (measuring 3 1/4 inches x 2 3/4 inches; 8.2 cm x 7.0 cm). Image #D-27; price on request.