ABRAHAM BOGARDUS. Three Sisters, c. 1852. 4.5x3.3" daguerreotype (1/2 plate) in 5.5x4.3" brass mat. Stamped on mat recto: BOGARDUS.

Among the early pioneers of photography, Abraham Bogardus is a notable figure. Born on a farm in Dutchess County, New York, 29 November 1822, Abraham Bogardus came to New York City in 1837 and "took lessons" in the new art of Daguerreotypy from G. W. Prosch in 1846. After two weeks' instruction he opened a Daguerrean Gallery at the corner of Greenwich and Barclay streets. During his first week in business, he made only one portrait, the second week two, and in the third week none.

At that time sitting for one's portrait was quite an undertaking, the exposure time required being forty to sixty seconds. Very soon after, however, the time of exposure was shortened, and the Daguerreotype became popular and Mr. Bogardus gave eighty or more sittings per week. Within a few years the paper photograph displaced the Daguerreotype, and the Bogardus Gallery was moved to Broadway and Franklin streets to meet the new demand. During the first popularity of the carte-de-visite Abraham Bogardus kept three skylights busy and delivered from 68 to 100 dozens of CDVs per day.

Among his contemporaries at this time were Jeremiah Gurney, Mathew Brady, Lawrence, Insley, Hass, Harrison and Hill, the brothers Meade, Lewis, Bogert and other famous Daguerreotypists. In 1869 Mr. Bogardus was elected the first president of the National Photographic Association, and served by continuous re-election for six or seven years. During his long career in business he took an active part in the public life of the profession, and by his work and activities was widely helpful in shaping the present prosperity of the American photographer. He retired from active business life in 1887 and retired in Brooklyn, and became a frequent contributor to the St. Louis and Canadian Photographer and other journals.

Abraham Bogardus died in 1908.

Credit: https://alphonsegallery.zenfolio.com/bogardus

Very good. Moderate tarnish around the outer edges of the plate. Mat in very good condition. No case.