Preparing for the Camera

Dateca. 1850

MediumDaguerreotype

DimensionsPlate (sixth): 3 1/4 × 2 3/4 inches (8.26 × 6.99 cm)
Case (open): 3 3/4 × 6 1/2 × 3/8 inches (9.53 × 16.51 × 0.95 cm)
Case (closed): 3 3/4 × 3 1/4 × 5/8 inches (9.53 × 8.26 × 1.59 cm)

Credit LineGift of Hallmark Cards, Inc.

Object number2005.27.126

Signednone

InscribedOn paper note, housed behind plate, in black pen: "Beardslee Van Alystine standing / Nan Hess Swarthart in center / Helen Augusta Beardslee at left / Helen Beardslee (mother of Guy Beardslee)."

MarkingsOn plate verso, on paper seal, in pencil: "DOUBLE [image] J P / 40/ PLATE MAKERS MARK UPPER RIGHT CORNER (R.29) / 400-246-00 / 2-PLY 100% RAG BOARD SPACE INSTALLED BETWEEN PLATE & MAT COVER GLASS REPLACED, SEALED W/FILMOPLAST P-90 TAPE 4-25-2001 GSW"

On View

Not on view

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Photography

Terms

DescriptionImage of three women and one man. They are each positioned as if preparing for a portrait; one woman appears to fix the man's hair while another woman tends to the other's skirt. This sixth plate cased daguerreotype is housed in a brass mat inside of a case with the Songbird Contemplating a Meal motif and an embossed red velvet liner.
A small handwritten note identifying the sitters is housed behind the plate.

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