Daguerreotype of likely family group, approximately 1839-1840

Quarter-plate daguerreotype. Protected in brown thermoplastic (varnish/shellac, sawdust, pigments) union case with classical motifs (delicate acanthus scrolls, tiny cherub heads in center oval medallion). Case created by a. P. Critchlow & co. (florence, massachusetts), circa 1856-1857. Original component parts, created circa early 1850s: clear protective glass plate, brass rounded-corner rectangular mat ("double elliptical") stamped with crosshatching, narrow embossed decorative brass preserver, deep maroon velvet cover. Ph coll 500. Da1 appears to be husband, wife and three children. Subjects (lcsh): men--united states--portraits; women--united states--portraits; young men--united states--portraits; young women--united states--portraits; girls--united states--portraits. Date: circa between 1839 and 1840. Collection: University of Washington.