Thomas Epps Wilson and Janet Mitchel Wilson

This daguerreotype by Montgomery P. Simons conveys an interpretation of character and emotional depth. Distinguished by its nuanced conception, Simons’ couple inhabits a convincing physical space: the wife, seated slightly forward of her spouse, looks directly into the camera while her husband glances sidelong toward her. Though their bodies touch, their thoughts appear to inhabit separate realms—an emotional restraint that creates a complex psychological space. The believability of the daguerreotype was, in fact, its greatest allure—one that effectively brought about the demise of the miniature portrait-painting business.