1/6 plate Vignetted D Oval Brass Embossed Mat with velvet imprinted lining F. Law Estimated Dates - 1850s

Attributed to F. Law / Frederick Law was advertised as a daguerreian at 1 Camp Street, New Orleans, La., 1856-1858, in partnership with F. Moissenet. From 1858 to 1861 he was listed as a photographer at the same address.

The greatest drawback to daguerreotypes the reflective surfaces that made them difficult to view. In 1849, John Whipple patented his "crayon daguerreotype", a process which produced vignetted portraits with a light-colored background. By reducing the dark or shadow areas around the subject, Whipple kept reflections to a minimum. Vignetted daguerreotypes became popular in the 1850s, and there were a few different options available for varying effects. Most popular were the "magic background", which produced a halo around the subject by placing a series of paper cutouts over the center of the plate during exposure, and the "illuminated daguerreotype", which produced an effect of light coming from behind the subject by allowing the outer edges of the plate to receive less mercury. (Mace 18). This example is believed to be an halo effect.

* note images were often taken out of their original cases although this image appears to be by F. Law, it is not definitive