Family Portrait
Artist
Unknown
Dateca. 1855
MediumDaguerreotypes
DimensionsPlate (each, ninth): 2 1/2 × 2 inches (6.35 × 5.08 cm)
Case (open): 4 3/4 × 8 1/2 × 3/8 inches (12.07 × 21.59 × 0.95 cm)
Case (closed): 4 3/4 × 4 1/4 × 5/8 inches (12.07 × 10.8 × 1.59 cm)
Case (open): 4 3/4 × 8 1/2 × 3/8 inches (12.07 × 21.59 × 0.95 cm)
Case (closed): 4 3/4 × 4 1/4 × 5/8 inches (12.07 × 10.8 × 1.59 cm)
Credit LineGift of Hallmark Cards, Inc.
Object number2005.27.4816.A-E
Signednone
Inscribednone
Markingsnone
On View
On viewGallery Location
- L10
Collections
DescriptionFive small daguerreotype portraits presented together in one mat and housed in oversized quarter plate case. Woman at top left, man at top right, baby in the center, young boy in bottom left, and young girl in bottom right. These daguerreotypes are housed in a brass mat (oval openings) inside of a case with an embossed red velvet liner and embosed case with abstract designs.Gallery LabelWhile group portrait daguerreotypes were not uncommon in the mid-1800s, sitters typically posed together for one image. This daguerreotype instead features several individual portraits displayed within one frame and united by a single metallic mat.
The oval shapes surrounding each sitter resemble painted portrait miniatures, which were precursors to daguerreotype portraits. The public quickly began to favor photographs over portrait miniatures due to their lower price point and increased ability to capture the physical and emotional likeness of the subject.
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Davis of Cincinnati
ca. 1850
2005.37.439.A,B
Unknown
ca. 1850-1855
2005.27.67.A,B