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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

Two items today...an advertisement and a great early-date poem: On this day (August 27) in the year 1845, the following item appeared in the "Springfield Gazette" (Mass. Vol.14, No.35): - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Portrait & Daguerrian Gallery. OVER THE MAMMOTH BOOT AND SHOE STORE. LOMBARD'S BLOCK, MAIN ST. MESSRS. STOCK & COOLEY, have re- opened their Gallery as above and re- spectfully invite the attention of the public to their collection of paintings and Photographs. They have superior German Cameras, large and small sizes, which will enable them to take likenesses single or in groups of seven figures, that for accuracy of delineation and truthfulness of expression cannot be excelled. They will be taken at all hours of the day without regard to weather and put up in any style desired, with or without colors as may be preferred. Mr. S. has had much experience in painting from the corpse, and orders in this and ad- joining towns will be promptly attended to.-- Instructions given in Drawing and Oil Paint- ing. Pupils wishing to acquire a thorough knowl- edge of the Photographic art, can obtain it at this establishment on reasonable terms; also all the Apparatus and Chemicals used in this interesting and valuable art. Gold and plated Lockets. Frames and Ca- ses of all kinds furnished to order. Aug.26. tf35 - - - - - - - - - In the August 1841 issue of "The Museum of Foreign Literature, Science, and Art" (Vol. 14--New series / Whole number--Vol.XLII; page 501): From a witty contribution on Photographic Phenomena, we take a sketch of the new style of portrait painting and of its effect upon the sitters: Apollo, whom Drummond of Hawthornden styled "Apelles of flowers," Now mixes his showers Of sunshine, with colours by clouds undefiled; Apelles indeed to man, woman, and child, His agent on earth, when your attitude's right, Your collar adjusted, your locks in their place, Just seizes one moment of favouring light, And utters three sentences--"now it's begun,"-- "It's going on now, sir,"--and "Now it is done;" And lo! As I live, there's the cut of your face On a silvery plate, Unerring as fate, Worked off in celestial and strange mezzotint, A little resembling an elderly print. "Well, I never! All cry; "it is cruelly like you! But Truth is unpleasant To prince and to peasant. You recollect Lawrence, and think of the graces That Chalon and Company give to their faces; The face you have worn fifty year doesn't strike you! The Criticism of the Sitters. "Can this be me! Do look, mamma!" Poor Jane begins to whimper; "I have a smile, 'tis true;--but, pa! This gives me quite a simper. Says Tibb, whose plays are worse than bad, "It makes my forehead flat; And being classical, he'll add, "I'm blow'd if I'm like that." Courtly, all candour, owns his portrait true; "Oh, yes, it's like; yes, very; it will do. Extremely like me--every feature--but That plain pug-nose; now mine's the Grecian cut!" Her grace surveys her face with drooping lid; Prefers the portrait which Sir Thomas did; Owns that o'er this some traits of truth are sprin- kled; But views the brow with anger--"Why it's wrin- kled!" "Like me!" cries Sir Turtle; "I'll lay two to one It would only be guess'd at by my foes; No, no, it is plain there are spots in the sun, Which accounts for these spots on my nose." "A likeness!" cries Crosslook, the lawyer, and sneers; "Yes, the wig, throat, and forehead I spy, And the mouth, chin, and cheeks, and the nose and the ears, But it gives me a cast in the eye!" ----------------------------------------------------------------- 08-27-96

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