Sixth Plate

BLAME IT ON A TRAIN. I know when the 11 a.m. Down Easter rumbles by the studio, my place shakes. Must have been the same with the location where this magnificent sixth plate was made. Frightened the girl, causing her to bob her beautiful, curious little face. The daguerreian must have been crushed. He had worked so diligently to arrange the crisp folds in the child’s lovely dress. Her pantalets peeked out from underneath. He had bathed the kid in perfect light. The focus and depth of field were perfect! All was well until . . . the movement. He saved the day by perfectly applying pigments to her tiny necklace. Then he used more colors to accurately color her flesh tones. Very ancient patina vignettes the darling gal. There really is a magical quality as she is held and observed. Casey broke very old paper tape and removed disgusting corroded glass, before he archivally restored her. The case is apart. A stunning childhood piece.