Locket 1839 - 1899

This locket, whose maker we don't know, contains a photograph made on a silver-plated copper sheet, using a process called daguerreotypy. The image emerges through a complex chemical process, which yields a unique image – no negatives here, so no copies! The copper support gives the piece its structural integrity, while the silver provides the light-sensitive surface. Polishing is also crucial, as the reflective nature of the silver contributes to the image's luminosity and depth. The amount of labor involved is considerable; from the mining of the metals, to their refinement and fabrication, to the delicate chemical work of developing the image. Daguerreotypes were luxury goods – the result of intense labor, skilled craftsmanship, and material expense. The photographic process democratized image-making, but this locket reminds us that the rise of photography was also tied to production, labor, and the culture of sentimental keepsakes. By considering its materials and making, we can see this locket not just as a memento, but as an emblem of its time.