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| CAW-453. A RARE GLIMPSE. This fabulous, spontaneous half plate portrait of five young siblings is made in the finest style of the art. It is such an instructive photograph that I could write volumes, but I will stick with the highlights. The eldest child, seated on the left flashed a huge, friendly smile (complete with a missing tooth) firmly held the youngest family member who was seated on an invisible table or chair arm. The girl wore a lovely dress complete with a hoop. Her shoulder length hair was parted in the middle and loose curls covered her ears. The baby wore an off the shoulder white dress, snowy socks and black patent leather shoes. His/her hair was combed to a peak. This kid's large eyes reflected a huge uncertainty at the mysteries of the event. A second daughter about 9 stood in the middle of her brother and sisters. Her arms were casually placed behind her back. She had bright shining eyes and a self-confident smile. Her hair was cropped short and a gaily-patterned dress covered her slender frame. The two boys aged about 3 and 7 were placed together on the right side of the composition. The older lad rested one hand on a chair and vainly attempted to control his brother with his other hand placed on the child's shoulder. He absolutely refused to behave, moving his head to and fro during the exposure. Because the young lad's mouth was open I am quite certain that he was screaming like a banshee, "I don't want my piture took and I ain't sittin still"! Considering his shenanigans it is a miracle that the older kid stood motionless! He did have an intense stare in the direction of the daguerreotypist! Is it any wonder at all that his sisters were smiling and on the verge of laughing out loud? The maker almost ended the session before the completion of their portrait I would wager. Imagine the mortification of the parents after having admonished the kids to behave or ELSE since the image dag probably cost $25 or more. What the maker produced was probably a portrait that was moderately acceptable to the father and mother, yet it survived and withstood the test of time. Only one out of a thousand images permit today's viewer to witness such spontaneity and to have an almost kindred relationship with these kids. We have the opportunity to meet each of the children individually. The older girls are simply delightful displaying their emotions because of the tantrum thrown by their brother. The stoic firmness of the other boy leaps forward. After thoroughly inspecting the physical aspects of the resilvered plate, noting the extremely rich tonality, the use of a skylight for illumination, the black leather Boston style case with a pair of ornate latches and the daring composition, I have concluded with certainty that John Whipple made the masterwork in his studio located at 96 Washington St. in Beane Towne. That particular chair is one seen in other examples of the man's excellent repertory! The surface is broadly tarnished and touches the subjects. There is a white hazy area on the recalcitrant boy's head and daguerreian frosting in the darkest shadowy areas. An advanced collector of children's likenesses will admire this offering for many years. $3,000 |
