Portrait of a Young Man, anonymous, 1840 - 1860

daguerreotype, h 38mm × w 29mm More details

Daguerreotypes were intimate objects. They were often preserved in small ornamental leather cases (étuis), which you could open up to view the photo in the palm of your hand. These cases were carried in one’s purse. Daguerreotypes were also incorporated in pieces of jewellery – in this case in a brooch.