Oct 19, 2010 - Sale 2226

Sale 2226 - Lot 67

Price Realized: $ 12,000
?Final Price Realized includes Buyer’s Premium added to Hammer Price
Estimate: $ 5,000 - $ 7,500
SOUTHWORTH, ALBERT & HAWES, JOSIAH, attributed to
Whole-plate daguerreotype of 3 sisters; in a period wood frame. Late 1840s-early 1850s
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Additional Details

A remarkable whole-plate study of siblings reflecting Southworth & Hawes's stamp of high art. The superb work produced by their studio regularly featured sophisticated pictorial compositions and magisterial use of overhead lighting, both of which are amply evident in this picture. Although at first glance the portrait conveys the harmony of sisterhood, it also subtly evokes pictorial tension. The expressions of the children at center and far right, who look very much alike, are expectant--a mood underscored by their dark attire. The sitter at far left, who is dressed less formally, gazes directly at the photographer with an open and inquisitive look.


As for the plate itself, it exhibis the trademark S&H features wherein the four corners are lightly and evenly clipped and all four sides are evenly flanged with curls (and not rolled). Finally, the surface has a fine polish and the reverse is silver plated.