D05-142. THE TALL HAT! Another very expressive man, totally in control of his situation even in front of a camera, sat with his arms splayed across a table and against a small chair back while the daguerreian performed his trade. His subject's pale complexion suggests that he worked indoors, although his long bony fingers seem to be worn. Wouldn't you enjoy speaking to the chap? At the optimum angle of inspection, the resealed sixth plate has explosive quality. The two-toned shaded fabric behind the debonair fellow even adds to the outstanding depth. Rouge was lightly painted on the guy's cheeks while a darker shade was added to the cloth. Was that a "clip on bushy beard" covering the bottom of his face? His blue eyes interrogated the lens during his moment of truth. An area of scum is seen near his elbow along with two white specks. There are several very faint lines running in a dome shade across his hat and into the backdrop. They are nearly impossible to see, but I mention them. Mat marks are visible on the right side. The leather case is in two halves. $675