D05-139. HE WAS COMFORTABLE. Why do some subjects look like they were born to sit in front of a daguerreotypist's camera? Relaxed is one aspect, but doesn't this gentleman take it a step beyond that? His clear focused eyes inspected his own reflection in his maker's well-made lens while a sixth plate circa 1845 was expertly crafted. Although the buffing left heavy strokes, when the gent is appreciated at the best angles, he is remarkable. While deep black isn't present, his reflected depth is quite strong. The subtleties of the mid-tones are awesome. His folded arms added stability while he posed. Is that the edge of a Windsor chair below the large mold growth? The other mold spots are all less noticeable in his stellar likeness. A sliver of patina follows the gentle oval shape of the brass mat. The complete leather case is identical to D05-141. His red silk pad is very fresh and bright. $220