Portret van een onbekende jonge vrouw c. 1842 - 1850

This daguerreotype portrait by Richard Beard, dating from around 1842-1850, showcases a young woman in a formal pose, her attire and expression suggestive of the Victorian era. The intimate scale of the image, measuring 97mm x 83mm, is characteristic of early daguerreotypes, often created as keepsakes. The daguerreotype process, invented in 1839, revolutionized portraiture, capturing lifelike detail and making it possible to capture fleeting moments in time. This particular image provides a glimpse into the lives of ordinary people during the early development of photography.