Dag Days

By: Judy Penz Sheluk

As seen in The Antique Shoppe Newspaper, July, 2005

 “I’m not sure what fascinates me about daguerreotypes. Perhaps it’s because when I look at these pictures, for a few minutes, I’m transported into that world. For many people, this was their one and only photograph in their lifetime and now we have the privilege of sharing that special moment.” Gary Bart, collector.

The daguerreotype is an early photographic process which used iodine vapors to sensitize plates of polished silver. The invention of French commercial artist Louis Daguerre, his discovery was France’s gift to the world in 1839.

The process was discovered about the same time as England’s William Fox Talbot introduced a photographic method using a negative. Although the use of negatives in photography would eventually become the norm, in 1840s and 50s America, the daguerreotype had little competition, especially in the area of private portraiture. By 1850, there were over 10,000 daguerreotypists in the United States. In 1853, The New York Daily Tribune estimated that three million daguerreotypes were being made annually.

The daguerreotype was not without its faults. The photographic process itself was painstakingly slow and viewing could be difficult. The reflections from the mirror-like plate produced an almost holographic image. In addition, the highly polished metal was delicate and easily damaged. In order to protect the image, it was covered by glass, which was then encased in a frame. The end result was bulky and somewhat heavy.

The daguerreotype was also difficult to make in larger sizes. A full-plate (the largest size) measures 6.5 x 8.5 inches, with the most common size a sixth-plate (2.75 x 3.25 inches). Very small prints were also made to wear in a locket.

Today’s prices range from $50-100 for a typical portrait of a man or woman to over $100,000 for extremely unusual images or those with historical importance. Although there are many early images of landscapes and buildings, the portrait would become the most common.

Ten years ago, collector Gary Bart discovered his first daguerreotype at a California flea market. A dog lover and owner of a white Labrador and two Springer Spaniels, Bart was immediately drawn to the images of people with their dogs. Today, his collection exceeds 300 cased images of dogs, which ranged in price from $200-$3,500.

“This was a time when people sat frozen for the camera, yet when they were with their dog they showed a great deal of warmth and affection,” said Bart. “They loved their dogs as we do today. I’ve seen large photos of just a dog, which could easily have cost the equivalent of one month’s pay.”

While doing research, Bart stumbled upon a wonderful story in a period journal. “An early daguerreotypist was trying to take a photo of a family with their dog,” said Bart. “The dog, Caesar, refused to stand still on the table adjacent to the family. Finally, he was reprimanded and told to wait outside. The family took their photo home and all their friends and neighbors came by to admire it. I guess Caesar was jealous, because the next day he marched himself back to the photo studio, jumped up on the table and stood at attention. The daguerreotypist took his photo, developed it, put it in a small case, tied it to the dog’s collar and told him to go home.”

“I’ve never forgotten that story,” said Bart, who explained that photographing dogs posed quite a challenge for daguerreotypists. “In those days, the camera lens had to stay open for an extended period of time and often the images of dogs were blurred. However, early photographers were an inventive lot. Sometimes you can see a friendly arm, wrapped in a black cloth, steadying the dog. An especially alert dog may appear so because at the very last minute, the photographer’s helper took the cover off a cage with a bird in it. A dog asleep at his master’s feet may have just been given a shot of whiskey.”

Bart is particularly drawn to performing and humanized dogs. His collection includes a dog dressed as a fireman, a dog balancing a ball on his nose and a dog carrying a package. “I like to think the dog carrying the package is Caesar,” said Bart.

The popularity of the daguerreotype waned almost as quickly as it was embraced. In the 1850s, sharp paper prints from glass negatives, inexpensive ambrotypes and cheap and quick tintypes slowly began to replace the daguerreotype. By the Civil War, soldiers were looking for lightweight, inexpensive portraits to carry with them to battle, and the daguerreotype was all but obsolete.

To Bart, these early photographs provide insight to the past. “For example, I know the most popular dog of that time was the black or black and tan terrier, because I see more of those than anything else. I have also noted that people were more likely to take their dogs to work with them, because I see a number of occupational photos with dogs.” 

Bart’s advice to would-be collectors is to do plenty of research and specialize in one area. “I know there are collectors who purchase whatever strikes their fancy, and that’s certainly fine. However, if your desire is to make an investment in addition to the hobby, having cohesion to your collection will build value.”

For more information: The Daguerreian Society www.daguerre.org
                                     3043 West Liberty Ave., Rear
                                     Pittsburgh, PA 15216-2460
                                     (412) 343-5225