Two sixth plate daguerreotypes of young children are housed together in a large thermoplastic double case, the exterior embossed on all surfaces with figural and pastoral scenes including a reclining lamb with figures, roosting birds with chicks, and a standing draped figure amid scrolling foliate borders. The left image shows a toddler seated in a dark chair, dressed in a polka-dot or checked short dress with bare legs and buckled shoes, a bouquet of flowers and a floral-patterned textile prop visible at the right edge of the frame. The right image, set in a shaped cartouche mat backed by a mustard-gold velvet surround, depicts an older child in a plaid button-front shirt and checked trousers, holding a full-size violin and bow across the lap.

The younger child's portrait carries a gilt-scrollwork mat of conventional rectangular form, while the older child's mat is die-cut in a shield-and-scroll cartouche shape, indicating the two images were produced separately and brought together in the double case. Both children share similar facial features, suggesting they are siblings.

The interior lid of the double case is lined with deep crimson embossed velvet in a symmetrical foliate and medallion pattern. No photographer's imprint is visible on either image.

From the collection of James Lee Soffer