Early occupational 'French' daguerreotypes are rare. The man poses with some small objects on the table. These are parts of a watch/clock. It's rather uncommon in European photography to see images of the sitter's profession. This large daguerreotype is very well made with a lot of interesting and beautiful detail.

The other portrait of a woman, probably his wife, is very impressive too. The bouquet of flowers is beautifully hand tinted.

The daguerreotype is professionally resealed by Christopher Wahren with the original mat and fascinating back paper. The plate bears the early M-Diamond / 40 plate mark listed in the Rinhart's "The American Daguerreotype" (p.424) as #35, which the Rinhart's date to circa 1844.

European half plate, ca. 1845

👉 These daguerreotypes are part of the Bazar Nadar "History Class Collection".
Based on these unique images, we will tell you about the origins of the medium during workshops.