Traveling Daguerreian Studio

Dateca. 1850

MediumDaguerreotype

DimensionsPlate (sixth): 3 1/4 × 2 3/4 inches (8.26 × 6.99 cm)
Case (open): 6 7/16 × 3 11/16 × 3/8 inches (16.35 × 9.37 × 0.95 cm)
Case (closed): 3 1/4 × 3 11/16 × 1/2 inches (8.26 × 9.37 × 1.27 cm)

Credit LineGift of Hallmark Cards, Inc.

Object number2005.27.6

Signednone

InscribedOn tray liner, behind plate, in pencil: "C.M. Martain / House Painter."

MarkingsOn plate verso, on paper seal, in pencil: ""C.M. MARTAIN HOUSE SIGN PAINTER" ETCHED ON PLATE VERSO / NO PLATE MAKER'S MARKS / 2-PLY, 100% RAG BOARD SPACER INSTALLED BETWEEN PLATE & MAT COVER GLASS REPLACED, SELAED W/FILMOPLAST P-90 TAPE 7-25-2001 GWS"

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DescriptionImage of a man standing on a ladder while painting the exterior of a studio on wheels. Two men peak out through a window opening while others stand nearby. Most of the men wear suits; all of them wear hats. The trim of the studio is hand-colored a bright blue. This sixth plate cased daguerreotype is housed in a brass mat inside of a case with an embossed red velvet liner and a case with an abstract motif.Gallery Label

Gallery Label

Many daguerreotypists working in the 1840s and 1850s were itinerant, moving around the country to find business. The most successful travelled with horse-drawn wagons equipped with skylights (as seen here), furniture, and props, as well as space for processing and sensitizing the plates to light. The well-dressed man standing in the center of the mobile studio with one hand in his pocket was likely the owner. An entourage of workmen and companions surrounds him.

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