Self-portrait

Artist Silas A. Holmes (American, 1820 - 1886)

Dateca. 1854

MediumDaguerreotype

DimensionsPlate: (ninth): 2 1/2 x 1 13/16 inches (6.35 x 4.6 cm)

Credit LineGift of Hallmark Cards, Inc.

Object number2005.27.428

InscribedWritten in red ink in bottom of case: "[illeg.] 1854 [illeg.], Self Portrait of Myself, Silas Holmes, Daguerreian Artist." The paper lining has a red manuscript ink inscription: [-- ----] 1854 / Self Portrait / Of / Myself / Silas Holmes. / Daguerreian / Artist". There is a loose paper label with a dark brown manuscript ink inscription: "Silas Holmes."

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DescriptionPortrait of man in profle (Daguerreian Silas (Samuel) Holmes) wearing suit jacket, vest, and large bow tie. This is apparently a self-portrait as he has indicated in ink on the inside of the case. This ninth plate daguerreotype is housed in a wood frame miniature case with a black leather and lacquer/enamel covering with mother-of-pearl inlay on the lid. There is a single hook-and-eye clasp. The lid has a red velvet covered cushion liner embossed with a scroll motif, and the tray has red velvet covered retainers and a white paper lining. The brass foil preserver is adorned with an oak leaf-style motif; a die cut brass mat with an oval opening is stamped 'Holmes / 289 Broadway" in the lower right corner.Published References

Published References

William Welling, Photography in America: The Formative Years, 1839-1900 (New York: Thomas Y. Crowell Company, 1978): 104, 115; Photographic and Fine Arts Journal 8 (December 1855): 384.

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