[Two Boys, One Holding a Book]

In this daguerreotype, two brothers pose together in a manner that is instantly recognizable to any younger sibling, no matter what century. The eldest brother, dressed in a fine coat and vest, stands to the left of a small table, his hand resting on the spine of a book. Meanwhile, partially outside of the frame, the more simply younger brother uncomfortably leans in on the right, as though his inclusion in the image was an afterthought. This charming double portrait was created by prominent Philadelphia-based daguerreotypists James McClees and Washington Germon, whose partnership lasted from 1846 to 1855.