D7-64. DON'T NEEDLESSLY CLEAN DAGUERREOTYPES! See those vertical bands of hazy white racing across the surface of the remarkable child's quarter plate figure? Someone did a terrible disservice to the memory of such an impressive little girl. The man worked with the youngster's mom, carefully arranging her dress as she sat so grown up, on the front edge of the chair, while resting her arm on the tablecloth. Haven't you noticed how strained some kids are when the height of the table isn't perfect for the sitter? The operator behind the camera was a professional. He used very sophisticated illumination on her dusky flesh tones. Those ebony hued, almond shaped eyes searched the room for comfort, finally resting on her own reflection that she saw in the glass element of the brass lens. A pair of delicate curls teased her cheeks and almost evoked a smile across her tiny mouth. The brilliant whites in her sleeves and the lace adornment that caressed her bare shoulders are dazzling! I especially like the manner of her hand across her lap; turned in towards her torso, so our eyes will sweep quickly across the gown and upwards to a very wonderful face. I used the decorative mat and protector that came with the daguerreotype, but a previous owner had added it. The black leather, push button case is not original either. There is a tiny white speck on the right side of the plate, near faint mat marks. Otherwise, the surface, which still has remarkable depth, is pure. $615