Unknown Man and Woman
PhotographerPhotographed by
Augustus Washington
(American, 1820 - 1875)
Dateabout 1850
MediumPhotography; daguerreotype on silvered copper plate in leather case with gilt mat and embossed red velvet pad
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (estimated plate height x width): 4 1/4 x 2 1/4in. (10.8 x 5.7cm)
ClassificationsGraphics
Credit LineThe Newman S. Hungerford Museum Fund
Object number2000.8.0
DescriptionPortrait of a young man and woman, seated and holding hands. His other hand is on her shoulder. She holds a book in her free hand.
The recto of the leather-covered case is embossed with a cluster of leaves and nuts, surrounded by a cartouche, with a border of leaves and flowers, and a thin gold chain. The verso is blind-stamped in an oval: "WASHINGTON / 136 / GALLERY / MAIN ST. / HARTFORD". Surrounding the oval are a wreath, apparently of laurel and oak leaves, and scrollwork, in a rectangle. A border of stylized leaves surrounds the rectangle.
The red velvet pad is embossed with an urn, surrounded by scrollwork.
The nonpareil brass mat is undecorated.
The recto of the leather-covered case is embossed with a cluster of leaves and nuts, surrounded by a cartouche, with a border of leaves and flowers, and a thin gold chain. The verso is blind-stamped in an oval: "WASHINGTON / 136 / GALLERY / MAIN ST. / HARTFORD". Surrounding the oval are a wreath, apparently of laurel and oak leaves, and scrollwork, in a rectangle. A border of stylized leaves surrounds the rectangle.
The red velvet pad is embossed with an urn, surrounded by scrollwork.
The nonpareil brass mat is undecorated.
Label TextVery few double portraits by Augustus Washington, Hartford's African-American daguerreotypist, are known. This one may commemorate the couple's wedding.
NotesSubject Note: This double portrait may have been made to commemorate the subjects' wedding. The case may not be original. (Finlay, 10/20/2003)Status
Not on view
