Spool holder carved from ivory, with a daguerreotype of a gentleman on the inside cover. British or French. Circa 1845
The first photographs, daguerreotypes, were introduced in 1839 as luxury goods and subsequently affixed to a variety of tony artifacts. But, while the subjects were typically august, the photographers are rarely identified. This remarkably beautiful decorative object has patterned fleur-de-lys slats and elegant incising. When opened, it reveals a portrait of a loved one, which a woman may engage with while sewing or darning clothing
