Posted 8 years ago
Alanjoh1
(1 item)
We collect, and research the background of, daguerreotypes (the earliest form of photography), and recently acquired this example. The date is @ 1850 and the image is American, judging by the garb, style of brass mat, and case design.
We know virtually nothing about 19th century silver, but a brief online search suggests this is a bowl reflecting a resurgence of interest in rococo 17th & 18th century design. It's compelling to think this is a craftsman showing off his latest creation, in which case this would qualify as a so-called "occupational" image. We welcome any & all suggestions!
It could also be a photo studio prop. As a piece of silver design it is 'out of the ordinary'.
Nice image-- agree the object really "makes" this daguerreotype and sets it apart!
I don't believe it is a bowl as there is not any sort of edge to show a lid. Could it be some sort of decorative mantle piece?
I too collect/ sell early photography and would have been happy to acquire this fine image!
scott
Wow, such prompt replies - I go off to mow an acre & when I return I've made new friends! Thanks for the feedback.
BTW, we've been watching early '90s mystery shows (got the videos from the library) called "Lovejoy," about a British, eagle-eyed antique dealer/restorer. Can't say we've learned much about antiques, but they are lighthearted (nary a murder, but plenty of close calls for our hero) entertainment, if it's storming outside or your car's in the shop...
This is eye-popping--Love everything about it--especially the gent and his period clothing. Can you imagine men walking around like this today? And women in those skirts? Freedom and comfort won out and have made it easier to get dressed really fast and use the time it took to put on all those and go outdoors running for our health!! Your photo is a real winner!!
It could perhaps be a SAMOVAR.....used for heating water.....just a guess...
Woooh! And those hypnotic eyes the man has...
A very interesting piece for sure.
Welcome to CW :-D
The man look he may be someone important. Probably the item on the right is an
Objet d'art means literally "art object", or work of art, in French, but in practice the term has long been reserved in English to describe works of art that are not paintings, large or medium-sized sculptures, prints or drawings.
It therefore covers a wide range of works, usually small and three-dimensional, of high quality and finish in areas of the decorative arts, such as METALWORK items, with or without enamel, small carvings, statuettes and in any material, including engraved gems, hard-stone carvings, ivory carvings including similar items, non-utilitarian porcelain and glass, and a vast range of objects that would also be classed as antiques (or indeed antiquities), such as small clocks, watches, gold boxes, and sometimes textiles, especially tapestries. Books with fine book-bindings might be included.
I Believe the POST went with it. I was just concentrating of the "thingy".
Agree with Tassie Devil - reminds me of a samovar (albeit with the spigot hidden or turned away).
Thanks for all the nice comments and suggestions. I'm guessing the hidden side is identical to the left one. The only way to tell would be to remove the brass mat, but I wouldn't do it in this case: the package still has original seals and it's best to preserve the integrity. "Samovar" is an interesting possibility but, as scottvez said, it doesn't appear to have a lid and if not, there would be no way of filling it...
Another possibility that occurred to me is that it's some kind of award?