Sixth Plate

HE WAS . . . Too large a boy to be seated on that miniscule little chair that was partially covered with a dark blanket. It is a simple equation. Observe his very edgy expression and realize how uncomfortable he was. I would wager that the cameraman didn’t daguerreotype children often and he probably placed the furniture on a box adding instability to the equation. His camera’s placement was still above a normal height too. The lad grasped one side and might have moved his head slightly. Gold was applied to his buttons and small ring. That wide striation in the drop that touches the lad’s hand and trousers is an original artifact on the retaped sixth plate. Excellent contrast and condition plus fine depth are seen at every angle since the leather case has no cover.