Daguerreotype of a Little Girl, 1850s
Subject
Title
Date
Description
In this daguerreotype, a little girl of five or six years wears a light pink dress with a wide stripe around the lower part of the skirt. It has a wide neckline and short sleeves. Although the photograph has degraded in sections, she appears to be wearing white stockings and black shoes. Her hair is parted down the middle and ends in ringlets. A chain necklace with a small circular medallion graces her neck. She holds a toy horse in her right hand while her left arm rests on the table. Photography studios typically included props such as side tables, chairs, and columns to help steady the subject during the long exposure time. Artificial rocks or trees combined with painted backdrops were used to simulate outdoor scenes.
In front of the table is a portion of a label appearing to read "Jube, Art., 83 Bowery". This information identifies the photographer. Research on the Bowery in New York City during the 1850s reveals information on a photographer, T.S. Jube, whose shop was at 83 Bowery. Also found was the following information on John Prosser Jube (c. 1813-1905):
From the Proceedings of the Board of Assistant Alderman, Volume 28, 1846
"John P. Jube, who keeps a shop and store at 83 Bowery, stated that he carries on the business of manufacturing Saddlery Hardware...."
Purchased at Exchange, New Orleans, MA (Cape Cod) June 1953
The case is made of embossed paper over wood, with embossed velvet pad and an embossed copper matte.
References
Joan Severa, Dressed for the Photographer: Ordinary Americans and Fashion, 1840-1900. Kent, OH: Kent State University Press, 1995.
Source
Donor: Mary C. Whitlock