Madame Gihoul 1854 - 1856

"Madame Gihoul" is a daguerreotype portrait by Louis-Pierre-Théophile Dubois de Nehaut, created between 1854 and 1856. The image features Madame Gihoul, elegantly dressed in a layered gown with intricate lace details, posing beside a table adorned with a small portrait and decorative objects. This intimate portrait captures the style and fashion of the mid-19th century, demonstrating the artistry of early photography in preserving individual likeness and social context. The daguerreotype, a pioneering photographic process, is characterized by its unique silver-plated surface that reflects light, resulting in a singular and highly detailed image. This work can be found at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.