Sixth Plate

CRAFTSMAN IN PROFILE! Certainly the unique hammer that the young artisan held identified his trade as a printer. The metallic objects on the wooden or metal table were used to arrange and space individual letters of type during composition. The inspired daguerreotypist was a genius. He recognized an opportunity to place the savvy, handsome fellow in a nearly profile pose. He asked his patron to turn his handsome face towards an excellent lens. The teenager?s sinewy arms were bare because his white sleeves were rolled up over his elbows. Consequently, not only is the distinctive tool very interesting, but the power and grace of the young man’s right arm leads our view away from the hammer, across the rumpled, dirty apron; skirting his large chest and into his eyes. He was a cocky craftsman and there was a definite “attitude” in his expression! His muscular left arm doesn’t seem important at first, until you realize that the maker was so good, that its placement caused any admirer to look down and further study the implement. I guess the best way to describe the remarkable arrangement is that it has an incredible fluid motion, yet the tradesman didn’t move. The holographic depth is an explosive achievement, with several reflected layers of the fellow being seen in the perfectly buffed, resealed sixth plate. The contrast and fabulous tonal range is also impressive. The real miracle of the entire image is the illumination, entering the studio from everywhere at once. How was the daguerreotypist able to have such absolute control? Every detail in the worker and his tools is exacting! Occupational daguerreotypes have been highly cherished by collectors. Once in a lifetime will the next owner have an opportunity to purchase a m�tier likeness where the technical virtuoso outperforms even the craftsman’s harmony! The surface has faint patina against the superb scalloped mat. There are a few faint rust dots and a couple miniscule scratches in the drop. I mention the “flaws” because they are apparent, if you search them out. I should add that the leather case had suffered grievously over time. I have placed this masterpiece in a pristine thermoplastic case with a stunning green velvet pad inside and matching green piping.