Widow with a Mourning Brooch, M.P. Simons Daguerreotype, Circa 1852
© Ann Longmore-Etheridge Collection.
The mat carries the imprint "M. P. Simons."
The woman in this image wears one of the dark wigs often favored by older ladies, as well as an ethereal widow's hat and square mourning brooch with black enamel and a hair viewing chamber.
M.P. Simons was listed in the 1843 Philadelphia city directory as a casemaker at 173 Chestnut St., and from 1844-1847 as a casemaker at 100 Chestnut St. He then turned to daguerreotyping in 1848, and was listed as a photographer on 173 Chestnut St. in 1849. In Nov. 1849, Simons' firm also advertised as a daguerreian studio in Charleston, SC. From 1850-1851, Simons listed himself as a daguerreotypist on 179 Chestnut St. in Philadelphia. He then opened a gallery in Richmond, VA, which operated from 1852-1856. It is possible that this daguerreotype was produced at the Richmond, Philadelphia or Charleston galleries. Simons was then listed as a daguerreotypist in Philadelphia on 76th St. in 1857, and at 922 Chestnut St. from 1858-1860. (Information obtained from Craig's Daguerreian Registry, Oct. 20, 2011.)
Widow with a Mourning Brooch, M.P. Simons Daguerreotype, Circa 1852
© Ann Longmore-Etheridge Collection.
The mat carries the imprint "M. P. Simons."
The woman in this image wears one of the dark wigs often favored by older ladies, as well as an ethereal widow's hat and square mourning brooch with black enamel and a hair viewing chamber.
M.P. Simons was listed in the 1843 Philadelphia city directory as a casemaker at 173 Chestnut St., and from 1844-1847 as a casemaker at 100 Chestnut St. He then turned to daguerreotyping in 1848, and was listed as a photographer on 173 Chestnut St. in 1849. In Nov. 1849, Simons' firm also advertised as a daguerreian studio in Charleston, SC. From 1850-1851, Simons listed himself as a daguerreotypist on 179 Chestnut St. in Philadelphia. He then opened a gallery in Richmond, VA, which operated from 1852-1856. It is possible that this daguerreotype was produced at the Richmond, Philadelphia or Charleston galleries. Simons was then listed as a daguerreotypist in Philadelphia on 76th St. in 1857, and at 922 Chestnut St. from 1858-1860. (Information obtained from Craig's Daguerreian Registry, Oct. 20, 2011.)