D01-112. SIGNED ETIENNE. Between the mother's arm and the hand drawn tree branch is the maker's flowing signature on the resealed quarter plate. I have inquired about that name from several sources and no one can positively identify the daguerreian, who probably was a Frenchman. Three persons have suggested that the stenciled and hand painted mat, done on the under side of the cover glass, resembles a style more prevalent in Eastern European dags. My daughter Erin has a sizable collection of photo history books displaying Russian collections and I eagerly poured over several hoping that the plate was produced there in the mid-1840's. No luck. I will offer this spectacular portrait, which was originally displayed in the impressive wooden wall frame measuring approximately 6 x 7 inches, as a stunning likeness from an unknown country. Naturally, the surface has never been touched. Rich patina surrounds the pair, darkest near the edges of the oval opening and then waves of amber that nearly vignettes mother and her precious child. Their flesh tones were hand colored too. The gold glitter material painted on that branch is something I have never seen on any other daguerreotype. If there was a case to open, every viewer would be spell-bound. I have them hanging behind my computer screen and have enjoyed their fantastic pose every day since purchasing the marvelous gem. There are typical very heavy buff strokes, as one would expect to see on an early European plate. What absolutely astounded me is the crispness of their gaily patterned dresses and the intricate designs in the lady's lace pelerine. Both subjects moved their heads during the exposure, which would have been about 5-10 seconds. As most of you know, I do not collect non-American made plates, but if this masterwork fails to sell, I will proudly continue to display it on my studio wall. $4,250