A pair of French daguerreotypes, by the renowned optician and instrument maker Charles Chevalier, captures a husband and wife in a timeless presentation. These images are not only significant for their photographic content but also for their connection to a key figure in the history of photography.

Wife with Child: The wife is depicted seated, holding a child close to her. The intimate and tender moment captured in this daguerreotype reflects the strong bond between mother and child. The hand-tinting enhances the image, giving life to the details in their clothing and expressions.

Husband: The husband is shown seated, with a composed and dignified posture. His attire and the meticulous hand-tinting suggest a man of some social standing. The image exudes confidence and stability, characteristics often desired in family patriarchs during the period.

Presentation: Both daguerreotypes are housed in matching, elegantly simple wooden frames, which provide a dignified presentation. The images are well-preserved, with the hand-tinting still vibrant, and the framing adds to the overall aesthetic appeal of the pieces.

Historical Context: Charles Chevalier, who was instrumental in the early development of photographic lenses and equipment, was a key figure in the advancement of photography. His lenses were used by pioneers like Nicéphore Niépce and Louis Daguerre, and his contributions to the field helped shape the future of photographic technology. The Chevalier family, starting with Louis Vincent Chevalier, had a long history of innovation in optics, which continued through Charles and his descendants.