Existing comment:
Two Gentlemen
The bond evidently shared by these young men is reflected in a pose that underscores their closeness. Gurney's composition derives its strength from the central triangle created by the careful positioning of the men's hands. Although daguerreotypes featuring two sitters are fairly common, few approach the level of sophistication seen in this double portrait. The daguerreotype's brass mat is stamped with Gurney's 189 Broadway address, however the chair that appears in the picture was used exclusively at his 349 Broadway gallery. This suggests the portrait may date from the brief period when both studios operated simultaneously.
Quarter-plate daguerreotype, c. 1852
Wm. B. Becker Collection |