Sixth plate post mortem daguerreotype of a deceased woman shown in a close, tightly framed composition, her head resting on a pillow and turned slightly to one side. The presentation and pose are consistent with mid-19th century post mortem portraiture, a common practice used to memorialize the dead. The circular mat opening isolates the figure against a dark background, emphasizing the face and upper torso.
The sitter’s eyes are closed and her expression is still, with the head supported by a light-colored pillow and cloth arranged beneath and around the neck. She wears a dark garment with a white collar or chemise, the contrast drawing attention to the face. The lighting is concentrated across the forehead and cheeks, while the surrounding field remains largely in shadow, creating a stark tonal separation.
The image is housed in a gilt brass preserver with a circular mat and set within a leather case. The mat has a finely textured gilt surface with visible spotting, and the case interior shows wear and deterioration along the right edge. No photographer’s imprint is visible.
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