Comically posed sixth plate daguerreotype of a young boy captured mid-performance, with what appears to be a cigar in his mouth and a large hat pushed back atop his head. The child’s cheeks are puffed with exaggerated seriousness as he stares straight into the camera, adopting the persona of a grown man in a moment of childhood play or parental amusement.

Daguerreotypes of children posed in theatrical or humorous settings are scarce, and examples that include period props with playful intent remain highly desirable. The image playfully subverts the standard solemnity of 1850s portraiture, offering instead a glimpse into the lighthearted side of family life, where formality gave way to staged mimicry and expressive play. His patterned jacket and loose pants suggest a rural or working-class origin, but the confidence of his pose and the prop cigar evoke an imitation of adult masculinity likely inspired by someone in his family or community.

Portraits of children engaging in parody or mimicry offer rare insight into the social dynamics and humor of antebellum America. This example stands out for its timing, clarity, and endearing awkwardness, a testament to both the photographer's flexibility and the child’s spirited nature.