Early Photography · Victorian Cased Images · Two Portraits
A Victorian Woman and Child in Cased Photographs — Ornate Gilt Mats and Embossed Leather Cases, c.1855–1865
One unidentified woman and one child · Mid-nineteenth century, probably c.1855–1865 · Photographer and geographic origin unconfirmed
Catalogue details
Description
Two mid-nineteenth-century cased portraits, one of a woman and the other of a child, with gilt metal mats, red embossed velvet interiors and ornate stamped cases; the woman’s image legible, the child’s portrait extensively deteriorated.
- Dimensions
- Measurements gladly provided on request
- Object
- Two original Victorian cased photographic portraits, offered as one lot
- Date
- Probably c.1855–1865; dating based on clothing and presentation
- Process
- Early direct-positive cased photographs; daguerreotype versus ambrotype not securely established from supplied images
- Sitter
- An unidentified woman and an unidentified child, photographed separately
- Presentation
- Decorative gilt metal mats and preservers, red embossed velvet pads, ornate embossed dark cases; one oval mat, one shaped mat
- Colour
- Small blue details visible on clothing of the better-preserved portrait, possibly applied tinting
- Measurements
- Plate measurements and additional photographs available on request
- Condition
- Please consult the photographs for condition. Additional photographs are available on request.
Shipping quoted by destination before payment
Historical context & sources
An intimate Victorian photographic survival
These two portraits preserve the original object character of early portrait photography: the sitter’s image was presented under a decorative gilt surround and placed in a pocket-sized hinged case. The better-preserved portrait depicts a seated woman in a full-sleeved dress, with her hands held together in front. The ornamental mats, red velvet pads and patterned case covers form an essential part of the historical appeal.
Two portraits, two states of preservation
The contrasting condition is significant. One portrait remains readily visible; the other is dominated by pronounced fragmentation or alteration. The damaged appearance could relate to deterioration of a backing, coating or glass rather than necessarily to a daguerreotype silver surface. The technique cannot responsibly be assigned without in-hand inspection.
Market context
Comparable auction results include two attributed Claudet and Kilburn daguerreotypes sold together by Flints Auctions for £200 (April 2024, including premium), and four sixth-plate portraits of a woman and a child sold by Flints for £88 (July 2025, including premium). These are contextual comparables, not identical examples. The quoted price is an asking price, not a claimed auction result.
