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 THE DAGUERREOTYPE: AN ARCHIVE OF SOURCE TEXTS, GRAPHICS, AND EPHEMERA


  The research archive of Gary W. Ewer regarding the history of the daguerreotype

On this day (April 16) in the year 1849, the following article appeared in the "Boston Daily Evening Transcript": - - - - - - - - - WHIPPLE'S DAGUERREOTYPES. America furnishes no better establishment for the taking of daguerreotypes than that of Mr John A. Whipple of this city. This assertion, though seemingly a bold one, will undoubtedly be acquiesced in by all who have enjoyed the opportunity of judging concerning the comparative merits of the different daguerreotype establishments of the country. Among the numerous improvements of the art which have been made in this and other countries, since its invention in 1822 by the immortal Daguerre, we may be permitted to notice with peculiar satisfaction the recent one of Mr Whipple, by which the portrait is surrounded by a cloud, imparting to it much of grace and beauty. Those whose scruples with regard to the safety of the new steam propelling balloon, will not permit them to soar up to the region of clouds, have now an opportunity of taking passage, without danger, in Mr Whipple's Daguerrean rooms, and of afterwards beholding "the figure they cut" when in the rolling mists. Jesting apart, those who design leaving the city to pass the approaching summer in favorite places of pleasure, had better secure for the friends they may meet there, daguerreotypes, by which they may be remembered, and those who will remain at home, may gratify their vanity by occasionally glancing at their own portraits, painted by the sun. In short all who wish to gratify their friends, or who love to see themselves to best advantage, may obtain of Mr Whipple portraits, so far as the execution is concerned, of unequalled accuracy, and inimitable excellence. A FRIEND OF THE ART. (I will again acknowledge the contribution of Mr. Chris Steele whose research is responsible for this text, as well as many of the Boston/Massachusetts texts I have posted. --Gary E.) -------------------------------------------------------------- 04-16-98

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