CONTRASTING EXPRESSIONS, Half Plate

Her husband was certainly eager to pose for their restored half plate daguerreotype, yet she seemed rather hesitant. The woman’s mouth was neutral like her man’s but his eyes sparkled brightly even though they were slightly hooded since illumination bathed the pair from directly overhead. Her eyes looked slightly vacant and it is difficult to ascertain exactly where they were focused. Their maker tinted the couple’s flesh tones better then I can reproduce them. He achieved wonderful contrast and richness along with holographic depth. The gent wore a double-breasted jacket and a fabulous vest with buttons covered in the same fabric as the cloth! Teeny specks and some discoloration in the patina almost disappear when these well-off folks are viewed inside a leather case that has a loose cover.