D03-216. BEEFY FELLOW! A hefty, balding 50-year-old gent was seated in front of the most wrinkled cloth backdrop I have ever seen. It also has the glossiest surface. An early use of black plastic trash bags? The heavy SCOVILLS sixth plate was sealed with original gut tape before I removed the filthy glass and used Filmoplast P-90 to secure the package. The lighting entered the space from all angles. With the aid of a reflector underneath the lens, all of the shadows were brightened, even the underside of that book the gent held in one large hand. His other enormous fleshy paw cups a smaller tome that was set out on a tabletop. What was his occupation? His double-breasted jacket might indicate that he was a ship's captain. Certainly his powerful demeanor, scarred nose and weather beaten complexion suggest that he was a man of action, accustom to commanding men while working outdoors. That might be his ship's log so prominently displayed. The itinerant who manufactured this prize was a highly adept craftsman. Surprisingly strong condition adds to the power of the piece. There is one large mold spider on the left side, near the mat. Tarnish traces the octagonal mat's shape. He is kept in the classic 1845 geometric case. $255