An expressive and full of character, this sixth plate daguerreotype portrays a deeply lined, elderly woman seated in fine dress, her eyes projecting a lifetime of experience. Her elaborate lace bonnet and shawl, delicately tinted, suggest care and formality in presentation. The sitter's age suggests a birthdate likely in the 18th century, placing her among the final generation of Americans born before the Revolutionary War.

The image is clearly stamped “J. HENDERSON” in the bottom brass mat, identifying the photographer as John Henderson, an active daguerreotypist in New York City between 1849 and 1860. Henderson maintained multiple studios across Manhattan during this period, including locations on Bowery, Greenwich Street, Broadway, and Chatham Street. He was also listed as a dealer in daguerreian supplies and an instructor in the art, with his involvement in the trade continuing even as the industry began to shift toward newer processes. This portrait is a powerful example of Henderson’s output and a testament to the artistry of New York’s mid-century photographic studios.