D06-69. IMPECCABLE! The lovely woman posed for her resealed quarter plate masterwork in the studio of Henry E. Insley, probably while he operated at 122 Broadway, circa 1847-50. Insley is very familiar to me and I have included a couple examples of his work in my own permanent collection. While his daguerreotypes aren't rare, he is a daguerreotypist who is never actively sought out and in my humble opinion is tremendously underrated! This existing example of his work is the best portrait (by Insley) I have ever seen. I can only say that upon opening the battered leather case, which is original to the piece, a viewer will be overwhelmed by the creamy light chocolate tones, the delicate sharpness of focus, the incredible costume the lady selected for her likeness, Insley's stunning use of light and shadow and the overall beauty of the object. The lack of any discernable flaws during the lifetime of the daguerreotype is a gift to the arts. You would have to open a thousand cases before a likeness of this amazing quality might appear in your hands. It is a miracle, considering how worn her case is. After Insley developed his dream on silver, he rinsed the surface, dried it off then sealed it with gold chloride. As a final effort to provide the perfect portrait to the new bride (and this might be her wedding trousseau) he painted her rings and the chain at her waist with gold pigments. If you are an advanced collector of splendiferous daguerreian treasures, please consider her image. $6,500