Exceptional mid-19th century sixth plate daguerreotype portrait of a young African American woman posed in a three-quarter seated view. Her elegant presence is enhanced by the clarity of the image and subtle hand-tinting that brings out the details of her dress and jewelry. She wears a boldly patterned blouse with a high white collar and gold-tinted buttons, along with earrings and a bracelet that further accentuate her dignified pose. Her hair is carefully styled in ringlets framing her face, and she gazes slightly off-camera with an expression of composure and quiet strength.

The portrait is beautifully preserved, it is housed in an unusually rare black papier-mâché case decorated with hand-painted roses and foliage. These floral cases were typically imported from France and are scarce in American daguerreotype portraiture, especially paired with a subject of such distinction.

Images of African American women from the daguerreian era are exceedingly rare, particularly ones that convey this level of aesthetic quality and personal adornment. A deeply evocative portrait with strong presence and exceptional historical significance.