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 216

Quarter Plate Daguerreotype of Two Young Children, Seated Portrait

Estimate: $200 - $300
Starting Bid
$100

Bid Increments

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$100 $10
$200 $25
$500 $50
$1,000 $100
$2,000 $250
$5,000 $500
$10,000 $1,000
$20,000 $2,500
Quarter plate daguerreotype of two young children seated closely together on a studio settee, posed against a plain, softly toned backdrop. The child at left, likely younger, leans slightly inward with a relaxed posture, wearing a patterned dress with short sleeves and a loose, informal fit. The child at right sits more upright, dressed in a darker striped garment with a more structured bodice, and wears a small pendant necklace at the collar, adding a subtle personal detail to the composition.

Their proximity and mirrored orientation suggest siblings, with the older child gently anchoring the pose while the younger rests against them, a common arrangement in early portraiture to steady the sitters during exposure. The contrast between the two dresses, one lighter and more casual, the other darker and more formal, adds visual balance while reinforcing a likely age difference.

The image is presented behind a gilt brass oval mat within a leather case. Minor surface speckling and scattered marks are visible, primarily in the darker background areas, consistent with age. The plate retains good clarity in the faces and textile patterns, offering a strong example of mid-19th century child portraiture.

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