Bogardus, 1849

Quarter Plate Daguerreotype | This intense young man is a fine example from the studio of Abraham Bogardus, a leading daguerreotypist from New York. Four colors of tinting: The splendid sky blue vest, and some blue-green and red adorning the table cloth. A subtle hint of pink to the face, and more noticeably on the lips, which brrings out his child like fresness of his teenage face. On the cusp of adulthood, his wavy thick black hair grows takes some unexpected turns, suggesting the untamed energy of adolesence. Yet there is masculine determination in his very sharp eyes. In what is perhaps his own inscription, there is some information etched into the copper back of the plate: The date 1849, his initials E.H., and fainter rendering of his name spelled out , which is clearly Edwin and a last name, which is hard to read, and is probably Hurlong. The blacks show more richly than this digital picture would indicate. And the detail is mostly very, very sharp, such as in the pattern of the vine pattern of his vest, and especially, where it matters most: His youthful face.

Condition: The scan exaggerates some small imperfections (so-called mold spiders, actually silicate deposits from the old glass, since replaced), and understates the rich tonality and overall elegant atmosphere of the plate. Normal margin tarnish. Mat stamped "BOGARDUS". Jones and Co. hallmark plate; retaped 2/20/97 DAW Exeter (i.e. by Dennis Waters). Full case embossed, moderately worn.

Key points: Excellent 1840s technique, with blue tinted vest that echos the lad's cheerful temperament. By Bogardus, an important New York studio. A quarter plate daguerreotype, measuring 4 1/4" by 3 1/4"; in a full case, original spine present, but case does not fully close; lovely rose red blue velvet pad facing the portrait. Image #9D4-106; SOLD.