Michael Lehr Antiques
Live Auction

May Vernacular Photo History Auction

Wed, May 6, 2026 11:00AM EDT
  2026-05-06 11:00:00 2026-05-06 11:00:00 America/New_York Michael Lehr Michael Lehr : May Vernacular Photo History Auction https://auction.michaellehrantiques.com/auctions/michael-lehr-antiques/may-vernacular-photo-history-auction-22757
Michael Lehr Antiques info@michaellehrantiques.com
Lot 201

Daguerreotype, Post Mortem a Very Young Child

Estimate: $200 - $300
Starting Bid
$100

Bid Increments

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$500 $50
$1,000 $100
$2,000 $250
$5,000 $500
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$20,000 $2,500
Sixth plate daguerreotype depicting a post mortem portrait of an infant, likely dating to the early to mid-1850s based on format and presentation. The child is shown in repose within a tightly framed oval composition, a format frequently used for intimate memorial portraits of this period. The image is housed behind a gilt brass oval mat, with no photographer’s imprint visible.

The infant is positioned lying back against a pillow, the head slightly elevated and centered within the frame. The child’s eyes appear softly closed or unfocused, with a calm, still expression, and the body is wrapped in a dark garment or covering. A light-toned pillow supports the head at left, while a blanket or textile fills the lower portion of the image, creating a layered arrangement of soft forms around the figure.

The oval mat opening closely contains the subject, with no studio props or decorative elements visible beyond the bedding. The background remains plain and softly toned, directing attention to the child’s face and upper body. No printed text or identifying marks are visible on the image or mat, consistent with many mid-19th century daguerreotype portraits of this type.

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