The astonishing precision of the daguerreotype—the first publicized
form of photography—enthralled the world at its introduction in 1839. Named after
inventor Louis Daguerre, the exacting process utilized silver-plated sheets of
copper developed in mercury fumes. At the height of the daguerreotype craze in
the mid-19^th century, millions of these unique objects were produced,
most of them portraits. This portrait of a mother and son was created by Victor
Plumier, one of the best and longest practicing daguerreotypists in Paris. Plumier was renowned for encouraging
natural, expressive postures in his sitters. Here, the precocious glare of the
boy is a wonderful contrast to the tender look of the mother who holds his
hand.