[Seated Middle-aged Woman Dressed in Finery] 1854 - 1860

This daguerreotype portrait, created between 1854 and 1860 by William Hardy Kent, depicts a middle-aged woman seated and dressed in finery. The woman's elaborate lace collar and bonnet, along with her seated posture, suggest a sense of formality and social standing. The subtle colorization of the image, common in early daguerreotypes, adds a touch of warmth and realism to the composition. This small-scale work, currently housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, offers a glimpse into the fashion and portraiture practices of the mid-19th century.