John Allen and Three Daughters
PhotographerPhotographed by
Samuel Root
(American, 1820 - 1889)
Datebefore 1861
MediumPhotography; daguerreotype on silver-coated copper plate under glass with brass mat in paper-covered wooden case with embossed red velvet pad
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (image height x width): 3 1/4 x 4 1/2in. (8.3 x 11.4cm)
Sheet (height x width): 4 x 5 1/4in. (10.2 x 13.3cm)
Other (case height x width): 4 3/4 x 6 x 3/4in. (12.1 x 15.2 x 1.9cm)
ClassificationsGraphics
Credit LineGift of Elizabeth W. Temple
Object number2011.63.95
DescriptionPortrait of a man with three young girls. He is holding the youngest child in his lap. She wears a plaid dress. The other two girls wear similar fitted jackets over plaid dresses. The girl at the right is standing. The girl at the left is seated beside the man.
The mat is rectangular with rounded corners and border of six-pointed stars within hexagons.
The dark red velvet pad has an urn in the center, surrounded by an irregular oval incorporating geometric designs.
NotesSubject Note: John Allen was born on 6 February 1815. He was a member of the Connecticut State Senate in 1863-1864 and 1884-1885. He was married to Mary Ann Phelps in 1848. Three daughters appear in this photograph; another photograph (2011.63.95) includes four daughters. Two daughters, Mary Constance Allen and Jane Allen appear in other photographs in the Connecticut Historical Society collection. A third daughter, Grace, is listed in the 1900 Federal Census. John Allen died on 17 June 1901. (Ruocco 3/22/2012)The mat is rectangular with rounded corners and border of six-pointed stars within hexagons.
The dark red velvet pad has an urn in the center, surrounded by an irregular oval incorporating geometric designs.
Date Note: Grace Allen, the youngest of the four Allen daughters, was born in August 1861. Since only three daughters appear in this photograph, it probably dates from before her birth. (Finlay 3/29/2012)
Status
Not on view
