Description

The Artistry of the Mid-Century Studio

Provenance & Curation: This sixth-plate daguerreotype was identified during the 2022 “Byron Barn” extraction as a primary example of mid-century character portraiture. Curated by Professor Tom Muir Wilson (RIT), it was prioritized for the secure Rochester vault due to its crisp photographic depth and the preservation of its silver-plate luster.

A remarkable Tier 1 Foundational Archive piece featuring a dignified mid-19th-century portrait with high-clarity silver luster. This artifact represents a primary character study within the Craft World Tours Collection.
Technical Specifications:
- Subject: A seated gentleman with a prominent beard and formal cravat, exhibiting the sharp focus and deep tonal range typical of the 1850s.
- Format: Case measures 2 5/8″ wide by 2 3/4″ high (Closed).
- Case Details: Housed in a leatherette case with a plush, crimson floral-embossed velvet lining.
- Condition: Excellent plate preservation with a strong mirror finish; housed behind a classic textured oval brass mat.

The Archival Association

As a “Tier 1” selection, this piece serves as a critical link in the Craft World Tours Collection. It demonstrates the 19th-century mastery of light and texture—the same technical foundation that fueled Professor Wilson’s later global expeditions and his massive archives of negatives and Ektachrome slides currently preserved in East Rochester.