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Bequest of Roderick Bissell Jones, 1974.56.470, Connecticut Museum of Culture and History, No k…
Mary Jane and Anna Eugenia "Esther Ann" Bissell
Bequest of Roderick Bissell Jones, 1974.56.470, Connecticut Museum of Culture and History, No known copyright

Mary Jane and Anna Eugenia "Esther Ann" Bissell

SubjectPortrait of Mary Jane Bissell American, 1829 - 1897
Date1855-1860
MediumDaguerreotype; silver-plated copper plate in brass mat package in leather-covered wooden case; red velvet pad in left side of open case
DimensionsPlate (height x width): 3 1/4 × 2 3/4in. (8.3 × 7cm)
Other (height x width x depth): 3 5/8 × 3 1/8 × 1/2in. (9.2 × 7.9 × 1.3cm)
ClassificationsGraphics
Credit LineBequest of Roderick Bissell Jones
DescriptionSixth plate daguerreotype of sisters Mary Jane and Anna Eugenia ("Esther Ann") Bissell, probably dating to around 1855, when Anna/Esther would have been about 20. She is resting her right hand on her older sister's shoulder, and Mary Jane's left hand is resting on Anna/Esther's. The women are wearing matching floral-print dresses with tight, corseted waists, and long, wide sleeves with upper arm cap sleeves, both sleeves trimmed with lace.

Mary Jane is wearing two cuff-style bracelets and Anna/Esther is wearing one (perhaps two, with the second one not visible). Their hair is parted in the middle and pulled back into low wings or loops over their ears, with spit curls near their temples. There is a hair ornament visible at the back of Mary Jane's head. Anna/Esther's hair is wound into braids, the top of which is just visible.
Object number1974.56.470
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