Raffish Optimism

Quarter Plate Daguerreotype | This striking composition certainly ranks among the most balanced and elegant portraits I have seen from ante-bellum American. A run-of-the-mill daguerreotypist might have caused this raffish gent's bold tonsorial style to stand out awkwardly, but here the romantic flare in his hair accents a bold personality — reinforcing the optimism and confidence we find in his forward-looking gaze — and nicely echoed in his ruffled shirt front. The makers of this dashing male portrait — the studio of Beckers & Piard — consistently created stylish and alluring portraits, often in the larger plate sizes. According to Craig's Daguerreian registry, Alexander Beckers and Victor Piard operated their firm at 201 Broadway, in New York City, from 1850 to about 1853.

The seals are original and composed of newspaper print, with the date Oct. 16, 1851 appearing at one point. 1851 seems exactly right for the style of the case and mat. This is a quarter plate daguerreotype, measuring 4 1/4" by 3 1/4"; the leather on wood frame case is lightly worn and has its original hinge. Image #D-33; price on request.