Untitled 1855 - 1875

This pair of daguerreotypes, created by an anonymous artist between 1855 and 1875, are housed in the Art Institute of Chicago. Each miniature portrait, encased in a silver and gold frame, measures only 3 x 3 cm and presents a detailed, albeit faded, image of an individual. The daguerreotype process, capturing images onto a silver-plated copper plate, was a groundbreaking technology in the 19th century, allowing for the creation of unique and intimate portraits that captured the details of individuals' faces. The small size and delicate framing of these daguerreotypes make them exquisite examples of the artistic possibilities within the medium.