Daguerreotype of a Young Couple, 1840s

This young couple is truly “dressed for the photographer.” He wears a frock coat, black waistcoat, and silk top hat set at a slant. His white neck tie is either a skillfully tied white cravat, or a pre-formed necktie known as a “stock” that fastened in the back. She wears a silk dress that buttons at the front of the bodice. Her bodice appears taut, thanks to the corset beneath. The shawl draped over her left arm obscures her sleeve, although the cuff of an undersleeve is visible. Her bonnet frames her face and is secured with a decorative ribbon.

According to Joan Severa, at this time it was unusual for sitters to wear hats as they often cast a shadow across their faces in the photograph. Fortunately, this is not the case for the image of this couple.

The case is embossed paper on wood frame with embossed velvet pad and metal matte

References

Joan Severa, Dressed for the Photographer: Ordinary Americans and Fashion, 1840-1900. Kent, OH: Kent State University Press, 1995.