A seated woman fills this sixth plate daguerreotype, produced by Oliver H. Willard at his 120 Market Street gallery in Philadelphia, placing the portrait firmly within the 1854 to 1857 window of his tenure at that address. Willard (1829–1875) was born in Vermont and operated across multiple Philadelphia locations before establishing a seasonal presence in Cape May, New Jersey, and later participating in the eclipse expedition of 1869. The image is housed in a leather case with embossed foliate and rococo scrollwork covers.

The subject is posed in a three-quarter seated view with both hands resting in her lap, one displaying a ring on the left hand. She wears a dark silk dress with voluminous gathered sleeves, a wide broderie anglaise lace collar, and white lace cuffs at each wrist. Her dark hair is center-parted and drawn back into coiled buns over each ear, consistent with mid-1850s fashion. Her expression is composed and direct.

Willard was active as a daguerreian as early as 1850 in Oxford, Pennsylvania, before relocating to Philadelphia, where city directories confirm his presence on Market Street through 1860. His documented membership in an 1869 solar eclipse expedition suggests continued scientific engagement with photography well into the collodion era.

The red velvet pad interior bears an embossed oval maker's stamp reading "Willard" with partial text referencing Market Street and additional studio detail. The plate is presented behind a beaded gilt oval mat within a maroon velvet-lined case interior.

Property of a Palmer, Massachusetts gentleman.