Catalog Archive
Auction 178, Lot 586

"[Invention of the Daguerreotype] The United States Magazine and Democratic Review"

Subject: Document - Early Photography

Period: 1839 (dated)

Publication:

Color: Black & White

Size:
5.9 x 9 inches
15 x 22.9 cm
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This is the May 1839 issue of the Democratic Review which contains Samuel Morse’s enthusiastic report (pp. 517-520) on the images Daguerre had demonstrated to him in March, 1839 in exchange for Morse demonstrating the telegraph to Daguerre. Tragically, he notes that while they were meeting a fire destroyed Daguerre’s works, papers and house. The article also notes that Fox Talbot, “an English gentleman, perfectly unconscious of Mr. Daguerre’s operations, made the same discovery…” A detailed description of Talbot’s process follows. Morse was so taken by the demonstration that on his return to the United States he established the first photography studio in America where he trained Matthew Brady, among others. 94 pages. Octavo with original pictorial wrappers.

References:

Condition: B+

Text is bright with occasional light foxing. Wrappers are toned along the edges.

Estimate: $250 - $325

Sold for: $130

Closed on 6/10/2020

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