Sixth Plate

AN ADVERTISEMENT! A small puff piece in the June 6 1853 Glasgow Herald proclaimed in part: “SPEAKING LIKENESSES? was centered above the ad: “Public attention is respectfully invited to Mr. Hughes’ SUPERIOR PHOTOGRAPHIC MINIATURES . . . ” ending with “Monteith Rooms 67 Buchanan Street (Glasgow)”. After opening the thermoplastic case that I added to hold this stunning resealed sixth plate daguerreotype, can there be any debate about the level of excellence that Hughes had attained? According to one source Hughes was active at this location circa 1848 to 1856. His subject’s pose was sublime. The tinting of those flowers gathered into a small bouquet at her waist and the application of pigments on her face and hands was expertly accomplished. The range of mid-tones was absolutely first rate. Her friendly expression suggested that the contents of the letter she held were pleasing. It is exceedingly unusual to see an addressed and stamped envelope included in a likeness. Hughes even embellished that stamp with red tint. There are teeny mold mites and lovely patina inside the oval brass mat. The superlative quality of this daguerreotype produced in Scotland cannot be overstated!