Children with Saint Bernard, Nathan Burgess, Daguerreotype, c. 1852

Wonderfully charming daguerreotype of two children posing with their Saint Bernard. The older child, wearing a plaid coat and hat, rests her hand on the very relaxed giant dog. The younger child and the pup pose on a beautiful floral sofa. 
 
New York photographer Nathan G. Burgess was active from 1843 to 1860. He learned the daguerreotype process in Paris in 1940. Burgess wrote several manuals on Daguerreotypes and Ambrotypes. It is believed that he was Mathew Brady’s daguerreian instructor. Brady’s studio was just down the block, and he utilized Burgess’ models of composition, posing, and props.
 
This image was published in Mirror, Mirror: The Burns Collection Daguerreotypes p. 44, copy of publication gifted with photograph.
 
Burgess 293 B’WAY - stamped on mat
Format: Daguerreotype
Size: 1/4 Plate
Condition: Light Scratches