Category Archives: Portrait Painter

Sache & Sancan

Daguerreotypes, Portrait Painter, , ,

1853-1854       80 Camp Street, New Orleans, Louisiana.

Sache & Sancan (F. Sancan) were recorded in one advertisement that ran from June 11, 1853 to June 1, 1854 in the Thibodaux Minerva (Thibodaux, Louisiana).  Sache & Sancan, Daguerreotype and Painting Gallery, No. 80 Camp St., New Orleans.  my14.

This is a complicated entry.  First in the book Photography in New Orleans The Early Years, 1840-1865 and in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry both list a Victor Sancan as being active in New Orleans in 1854 at 80 Camp Street.  Sache is not listed in either books.  In the New York Historical Society’s Dictionary of Artists in America 1564 to 1860 a J. Sancan is listed in New Orleans in 1854 as a portrait painter.  There is no mention of F. or Victor Sancan, again there is no listing found for Sache, there were a number of  Sachs and Sachse all were from Philadelphia and Baltimore and were either lithographers, or painters with no mention of anyone traveling to New Orleans.  To further complicate matters there is an advertisements from the same newspaper “Thibodaux Minerva” for an F. Sancan which will be posted on December 3d.  Another possibility is that Victor Sancan owner/operator of the New Orleans studio and that F. Sancan (a family member, working in the studio went to Thibodaux for four plus months.)  This is total speculation on my part.  An internet search listed an  F. Sancan in 1861 as the Editor and Proprietor of the Thibodaux Sentinel a weekly newspaper.  It is unknown if they are the same person.  Pioneer Photographers from the Mississippi to the Continental Divide: A Biographical Dictionary, 1839-1865 comes to the same conclusion that it is unclear if one of the partners were F. Sancan or Victor Sancan.

Joseph Ropes

Daguerreotypes, Landscape Painter, Portrait Painter, , , , , ,

1841                Exchange Building, Portland, Maine.                                                                                1843                5½ Tremont Row, Boston, Massachusetts.                                                                      1843                Manning’s Building, Salem, Massachusetts.

Joseph Ropes was recorded in one notice, one advertisement and one biographical entry.  The announcement appeared in the Portland Transcript (Portland, Maine)[1] on August 14, 1841.

Daguerreotypes.   We have not before called the attention of our readers to the opportunity now afforded of obtaining a Portrait from life by means of the Daguerreotype.  Mr. Ropes has taken rooms for a brief period in the Exchange, where he attends to Photographic Miniature painting.  A sitting of from two to four minutes will give one a perfect likeness—a portrait of wonderful beauty and delicacy.  Our readers generally have doubtless heard of this surprising art, by which a faithful transcript of one’s features may be obtained, drawn by Nature’s own finger, and it is well worth their while to visit Rope’s Room and look over the different portraits taken in this way.  When Nature paints, she paints correctly and minutely.  One cannot help being astonished at the exquisite finish to be observed in these drawings.  Every minute figure of the dress—every thread even may be detected‑‑and so with the features—every line is completely shadowed forth.  Mr. R. is always happy to see his friends at his room—who have but to speak the word to obtain from him their counterparts.

The advertisement ran from July 3 to August 17, 1843 in the Salem Register (Salem, Massachusetts).  Beautiful Specimens of Photographic Miniatures.  May be seen at the room of the subscriber in Manning’s Building, 3d story.  He has been connected several months with the establishment of Southworth & Co., Prize Photographers, and is familiar with their process of taking and coloring pictures.  Those who wish for a Daguerreotype likeness in the most pleasing and popular style will do well to call.

Room open to visitors at all hours of the day.  J. Ropes.

The biographical entry is from The New-York Historical Society’s Directory of Artists in America 1564-1860.  Ropes, Joseph (1812-1885).  Landscape,. Miniature, and crayon artist and drawing teacher.  Born at Salem (Mass.)  In 1812, he did not seriously study painting until in his mid-thirties when he took lessons from John R. Smith and at the National Academy.  He exhibited at the academy in 1848.  From 1851-1865 he had a studio in Hartford (Conn.).  In 1865 he went abroad for eleven years; on his return he settled in Philadelphia.  He died in NYC in 1885.  Ropes was the author of Linear Prespective (1850) and Progressive Steps in Landscape Drawing (1853) [ ] French, Art and Artists in Connecticut, 79; Bolton, Miniature Painters; Cowdrey, NAD; Swan, BA; Hartford CD 1855; Tuckerman, Book of the Artists.

Joseph Ropes is recorded in A Directory of Massachusetts Photographers 1839-1900.

[1] Transcribed from DagNews.

Alexander Ransom

Daguerreotypes, Portrait Painter, , , ,

1853                Mr. Ransom’s Rooms New York University, New York, New York.

Alexander Ransom was recorded in one announcement and one advertisement in The New York Herald (New York, New York).  The announcement appeared on December 13, 1853.  Mr. Freeman Having Purchased of Mr. Alexander Ransom the half of his property in the Drummond Light apparatus for enlarging daguerreotypes, will be prepared every day, between the hours of two and three o’clock P. M., to show any respectable parties, the effects of Daguerreotypes so enlarged, through which a perfect drawing is traced upon the reflection itself, from the cabinet to the size of life, or even larger, with the unerring certainty, in a comparatively short space of time.  Those having daguerreotypes of friends, will please bring them to determine their real value when magnified and thrown upon another surface, thereby avoiding all the disagreeable effects of the reflex of a polished plate, and withal of a hundred per cent increase of resemblance to their originals.  Outline for artists reasonably made.  Rooms No. 1, third floor, N. Y. University, Washington parade ground.

The advertisement ran from December 17 to 19, 1853.  Portraits Painted From Daguerreotypes.—Persons having daguerreotypes of deceased or absent  friends, can see the magnified to the size of life by a powerful Drummond light apparatus free at Mr. Ransom’s rooms, New York University, every day from 2 to 3 o’clock, P. M.

Alexander Ransom does not appear in other photographic directories.  He is recorded as a portrait painter in The New York Historical Society’s Dictionary of Artists in America 1564 – 1860 as being active in Boston and Lowell, Massachusetts, New York City and London, England.

S. W. Price

Colorist, Portrait Painter, , , ,

1857                Between Main and Franklin Streets, Clarksville, Tennessee.

S. W. Price is recorded in two announcements in the Clarksville Chronicle (Clarksville, Tennessee). The first announcement appeared on November 20, 1857. We are pleased to see that our clever friend and accomplished artist, Mr. S. W. Price, has returned to our city, to remain a short time.  We are shown a specimen of his skill, in the way of coloring upon the Photograph likeness of our Editor.  It is certainly a fine specimen of art.

If, with McCormac to take the picture, and Price to do the coloring, our senior’s face is not well taken, then there is no use in any one else trying.  In our opinion, this Photograph cannot be surpassed.

The second announcement appeared on May 21, 1858.  Mr. Price is again in our midst Mr. Price is a painter of decided merit, and if evidence of that fact were wanting, his picture of that fact were wanting, his picture of Mr. Fillmore is sufficient to place the matter beyond a doubt.  Mr. Price is also a high-toned and honorable gentleman, and we bespeak for him a liberal share of patronage.  We presume he will resume his employment as colorer of Photographers for Mr. W. J. McCormac.  Success attend them both.

S. W. Price is not recorded in other photographic directories. There is a possibility that this is Samuel Woodson Price a portrait and figure painter who was active in Kentucky and Tennessee prior to the Civil War.

James Thomas Poindexter

Daguerreotypes, Portrait Painter, , ,

1852-1853                   Foster’s Building, Corner of Main and First Street, Evansville, Indiana.

(James) Thomas Poindexter was recorded in six announcements and two advertisements in The Evansville Daily Journal (Evansville, Indiana).  He was also recorded in an on line article in 2012 for the Evansville-Museum-Exhibition and an entry in The New York Historical Society’s Dictionary Of Artists In American 1584 to 1860.  The first announcement appeared on August 4, 1852. Mr. Poindexter, a portrait painter of much merit, has just arrived here from the South.  We hope he may be induced to remain among us for a time.  The Daguerreotype business has had the effect to drive all inferior portrait painters to some other business, while good artist alone are left, and they appear to be well patronized.  A well painted portrait cannot be excelled by any Daguerreotype, and it has the advantage of correct coloring to make it a more life-like work of art.  We hope sufficient inducements will be offered Mr. P. to urge him to stay here awhile, and leave with us some of the works of his skill.

The second announcement appeared on August 7, 1852.  Portrait Painting.—We take pleasure in calling attention to Mr. Poindexter’s advertisement of Portrait Painting.  The portrait of a citizen he has just painted, appears to us, who are no judge of such work, to be a at least a triumph so far as the likeness is concerned.  Mr. P. intends remaining here but a short time, and as we have had no professional portrait painter among us for a long time, it might be well for citizens to take advantage of the occasion.  A good portrait is a pleasing possession for any one, and an invaluable “relic of the past” when years have winged themselves into eternity.

The third announcement appeared on August 7, 1852.  Portrait Painting, T. Poindexter, Portrait Painter, has taken the rooms in Foster’s building, at head of stairs, where he would be pleased to have citizens call and examine his specimens of painting.  He intends remaining in Evansville but a short time, and would request those desirous of having their portraits painted to call soon.  He promises to give satisfaction, and only asks patronage as he may deserve it.

The fourth announcement appeared on September 27, 1852.  Mr. Poindexter, Portrait Painter, has been taking some excellent Portraits.  Mr. P. is not only capable of taking correct likenesses, as fine as we ever saw, but his pictures are good as works of art.  They are not surpassed as paintings, by the works of those artists who are considered the best portrait painters of the West, we defy any painter to make better likenesses.  Our citizens have been patronizing Daguerreotypist very freely, but one of Poindexter’s portraits are worth fifty Daguerreotypes—while to patronize him is to aid an artist, who has devoted a lifetime to his profession.

The fifth announcement appeared on April 20, 1853.  Mr. Poindexter, has opened a Daguerrean Gallery in Foster’s building, which he will carry on in connection with his portrait painting.  Mr. P. already established a good reputation in our city as a Portrait Painter, and his specimens in the Daguerrean art, will compare favorably with any ever taken here.  Mr. Poindexter has taken up his residence in our city, and designs establishing a permanent business in Picture and Portrait making.  We wish him great success, and hope our citizens will give him that generous support of which he has proven himself worthy.

The first advertisement ran from April 20 to December 7, 1853.  Daguerreotypes!  The subscriber respectfully informs the public generally that he has resumed the above business with which he has long been familiarly acquainted, and designs establishing permanent Daguerrean gallery in Evansville in Foster’s buildings, corner of Main and First street, where he hopes to receive the frequent visits of ladies and gentlemen which it shall be his earnest endeavor to merit; and he expects to be permanent, he depends more upon exhibitions of his proficiency and skill than noisy humbug of words for success.

His reputation as a portrait painter is too well established in Evansville and elsewhere to need remark further than that he will be happy to accommodate any desiring his services in that branch of art.  Thos. Poindexter.

The sixth advertisement appeared on July 24, 1856.  Hall Of Evansville Lodge, No. 64, A. Y. M. July 21, 1856.  At a called meeting of Evansville Lodge…By order of the Lodge Committee A. H. Sanders. Thos. Poindexter, Osborne Reilly.

The second advertisement ran from September 21v to November 23, 1857.  At Home.  Having returned to remain but a short time, the subscriber would respectfully invite those who may desire his artistic services to make it known without delay, as he has calls abroad that should not be neglected.  A good likeness warranted, either from life or a good Daguerrean or Ambrotype picture.  Studio first floor above and entrance through the store of A. C. Pushee.  See Specimens.  Thos. Poindexter.

1957.  The New-York Historical Society’s Dictionary Of Artists in America 1564–1860, P. 509.  Poindexter, James Thomas (1832-1891).  Portrait painter.  Born June 6, 1832 in Christian County (Ky.)  H was painting portraits in Evansville, (Ind) as early as 1852.  During the Civil War he was a telegraph operator.  He died June 10, 1891…

2012 August 23.  http://www.courierpress.com/features/evansville-museum-exhibition-celebrates-19th-century-portrait-painters-work-ep-444109151-324677591.html.

A single line in the Aug. 4, 1852, issue of the Evansville Daily Journal simply announced, “Poindexter, a portrait painter has come to town.”

James Thomas Poindexter, 23, was a Hopkinsville, Ky., native with little or no formal art training, but with a desire to make his living as a professional painter. He went on to become one of the most important portrait artists of the region.

His own work, which will be featured in an Evansville Museum show opening Sept. 2, reflected portraiture at the time, often done by traveling painters who moved from town to town brushing portraits and painting business signs for fees or, sometimes, food and lodging.

Poindexter married and settled in Evansville where, in addition to painting, he took up daguerreotype portrait photography.

He left during the Civil War to serve as a telegraph operator for the Army of the Confederacy, and worked painting portraits in Louisiana and Mississippi before returning to Evansville in 1871. His name appeared in city records until 1882. He died in Eddyville, Ky., nine years later.

Hanna Ganote, a New Albany, Ind., native who graduated from the University of Evansville this year, helped put together the Evansville Museum’s exhibition, which draws from the museum’s own collection of a dozen Poindexters, as well as portraits on loan from museums and libraries in Evansville and New Harmony, Ind., and in Louisville, Ky.

The show will hang through Nov. 25 in the Main Gallery, and may be seen online as a virtual exhibition on http://www.emuseum.org.

James Thomas Poindexter is not listed in other photographic directories.  He is like some other portrait painters during the daguerreian era who either dabbled for a time making daguerreotype images, used daguerreotypes in their portrait painting, or became daguerreotypist/photographers.

Thomas Hazard Parker

Daguerreotypes, Portrait Painter, , , , , ,

1846                Main Street, 2d door from Washington, Sag Harbor, New York.                          1847-1853     Address Unknown, Sag Harbor, New York.

T Hazard Parker was recorded in eleven advertisements in The Corrector (Sag Harbor, New York).  This includes two advertisements for Parker & Bellows; one advertisement for Parker & Douglas; and two advertisements for Parker & Marcellus.

The first advertisement ran from November 18, 1846 to June 23, 1847.  Daguerreotype Likenesses.  T. H. Parker would respectfully invite the attention of the citizens of this place, the Hamptons and vicinity, to the miniatures taken by him.  Having availed himself of all the latest improvements in this beautiful art and procured the very best cameras that can be furnished he is [is] enabled to take the most correct and finest pictures that this elegant sand useful art can produce.  Some persons do not like Daguerreotypes, which opinion is formed from seeing pictures imperfectly taken.—Ladies and gentlemen are respectfully invited to call and examine and judge for themselves.

Warranted permanent with or without color, at the lowest city prices, from one to three dollars each.  Main st, 2d door from Washington.

The second advertisement ran from June 23, 1847 to July 31, 1848.  Daguerreotype Likenesses.  T. H. Parker would respectfully inform the citizens of Sag Harbor and vicinity, that having availed himself of all the latest improvements, and engaged the services of Mr. Payne, he flatters himself that his likenesses cannot be surpassed, and which he insures not to fade.  Miniatures taken in one third the time generally required.

Likenesses of sick or deceased persons taken at their residences, at the lowest city prices, and warranted to give perfect satisfaction.

Ladies and gentlemen are respectfully invited to call and examine his specimens.

The third advertisement ran from June 23, 1847 to October 7, 1848.  Daguerreotype Likenesses.  T. H. Parker would respectfully inform the citizens of Sag Harbor and vicinity, that having availed himself of all the latest improvements, and engaged the services of Mr. Payne, he flatters himself that his likenesses cannot be surpassed, and which he insures not to fade.  Miniatures taken in one third the time generally required.

Likenesses of sick or deceased persons taken at their residences, at the lowest city prices, and warranted to give perfect satisfaction.

Ladies and gentlemen are respectfully invited to call and examine his specimens.

The fourth advertisement ran from October 11, 1848 to May 12, 1849.  Daguerreotype Likenesses.  At One Dollar Each.  T. H. Parker would respectfully inform the citizens of Sag Harbor and vicinity, that having availed himself of all the latest improvements he flatters himself that his likenesses cannot be surpassed, and which he insures not to fade. Miniatures taken in one third the time generally required.

Likenesses of sick or deceased persons taken at their residences, at the lowest prices, and warranted to give satisfaction.

Ladies and gentlemen are respectfully invited to call and examine his specimens.

The fifth advertisement ran from May 12 to July 27, 1850.  Daguerreotype Likenesses Taken at Parker & Douglas’s Daguerrean Rooms, with a large and improved apparatus, and warranted to give perfect satisfaction.  Ladies and gentlemen are respectfully invited to call and examine their specimens.

The sixth advertisement ran from July 31, 1850 to July 27, 1851.  Daguerreotype Likenesses taken at Parker & Bellows’s Daguerrean Rooms, with a large and improved apparatus, and warranted to give perfect satisfaction.  Ladies and gentlemen are respectfully invited to call and examine their specimens.

The seventh advertisement ran from July 23 to September 17, 1851.  All relations heretofore existing between T. Hazard Parker and Henry S. Bellows, in the Daguerrean business, are this day dissolved, by mutual consent.

All bills connected with the business, will be settled by T. Hazard Parker.  Sag Harbor, July 23, 1851.  T.H. Parker, H. S. Bellows.

The eighth advertisement ran from July 26 to August 2, 1851.  Daguerreotype Likenesses, taken at T. H. Parker’s Daguerrean Rooms with a large and improved apparatus, and warranted to give perfect satisfaction.  Ladies and gentlemen are respectfully invited to call and examine their specimens.

The ninth advertisement ran from August 6, 1851 to September 20, 1851.  Daguerreotype Likenesses Taken at Parker & Marcellus’ Daguerrean Rooms, with a large and improved apparatus, and warranted to give perfect satisfaction.  Ladies and gentlemen are respectfully invited to call and examine their specimens.  July 31.

The tenth advertisement ran from September 24  to October 15, 1851.  Daguerreotype Likenesses, Taken at Parker & Marcellus’ Daguerrean Rooms.  For One Dollar Each, with large and improved apparatus, and warranted to give perfect satisfaction.  Ladies and gentlemen are respectfully invited to call and examine their specimens.

The eleventh advertisement ran from October 18, 1851 to January 19, 1853.  Daguerreotype Likenesses, Taken at T. H. Parkers’ Daguerrean Rooms, For One Dollar Each, with large and improved apparatus, and warranted to give perfect satisfaction.  Ladies and gentlemen are respectfully invited to call and examine their specimens.

Thomas Hazard Parker is not listed in other photographic directories.  As previously posted he was in the partnerships of Parker & Douglas (1849-1850); Parker & Bellows (1850) and Parker & Marcellus (1851).  Additional research prior to becoming a daguerreotypist he was a miniature portrait painter on ivory, born in 1801 in Sag Harbor.  Studied in New York City with Matthew Rogers then moved to Hartford before returning to Sag Harbor.

John Pardoe

Photographs, Portrait Painter, , , ,

1858                Address Unknown, Oneonta, New York.

1859 January 21.  The Freeman’s Journal.  (Cooperstown, New York.)  January 21, 1859, Vol. LI, No. 24, Whole No. 2,624, P. 4.

List of Premiums Awarded by the Otsego Co. at [ ? ] in 1858….Discretionary Permits….

Bolles & Smith, patent Camera-Box, dip and cash $3.                                                                          Bolles & Smith, Photographs and Ambrotypes, cash $1.                                                              J. Pardoe, oil paintings and photographs in oil, cash $2.

John Pardoe is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry as being active as a daguerreian in Oneonta in 1859.  He is also listed in The New York Historical Society’s Dictionary Of Artist in America 1584-1860.  John Pardoe, Portrait painter of NYC, who exhibited at the American Institute in 1848.  NYCD 1848-1849, as a painter.  This is possibly the same person.  The question is did he take the photographs or did he just paint them?

Randolph Palmer

Daguerreotypes, Portrait Painter, , ,

1841                Studio east corner of the Exchange Building, over Mr. Haight’s Jewelry Store,                               Auburn, New York.

Randolph Palmer was recorded in three advertisements and two announcement in the Auburn Journal and Advertiser (Auburn, New York).  The first advertisement was recorded on January 6, 1841.  Portrait Painting.  R. Palmer would say to the Ladies and Gentlemen of Auburn and its vicinity, that he would be happy to wait upon them in the line of his profession, at his room, Chedell’s Buildings.

As to his ability as an artist, he would leave it with connoisseurs to decide.  His portraits are always ready for inspection: let them speak for themselves.  Call and examine them.  Auburn, February 18, 1840.

The first announcement appeared on January 20, 1841.  The Daguerreotype.  By reference to the advertisement of Mr. R. Palmer in other columns, our readers will notice that he has recently fitted up his establishment so as to enable him to take likenesses, by the new and curious system of Daguerreotype.  It was our intention to have given at this time a sort of bird’s eye view of the course adopted in carrying out the rules of this new discovery;—but we shall be compelled to defer it till our next. Such of our citizens as desire a perfect miniature, will do well to give Mr. P. a call at his “glass house,” east end of Exchange Buildings—and those who desire a Portrait, will there see specimens of his skill with the pencil and brush, as large, as natural, and apparently as animated as life itself.

The second advertisement ran from January 20 to March 24, 1841.  Portraits, Miniatures, And Photographic Likenesses in the Daguerreotype Process R. Palmer, has removed his studio to the east corner of Exchange Buildings, (directly over Mr. Haight’s Jewelry Store,) within the Glass House, where he will always be found ready, and happy, to wait upon all who may desire to hand down to posterity their Phiz upon canvass, Ivory, or Silver

He is perfectly willing to be criticized upon his own productions, but thinks it unfair for critics to find fault with the Pictures which Nature paints.

The Daguerreotype paints along with the colors which the sun produces, by reflecting light upon the sitter,—the sitting for the Daguerreotype vary from 3 to 8 minutes, according to light.  The best time for taking likenesses is in a clear day from 8 A. M., to 3 P. M.—It is not necessary to have the sun shine upon the sitter.

The second announcement appeared on February 10, 1841.  Daguerreotypes.  Likenesses of this description are now taken with the greatest accuracy by Mr. Palmer, at his “glass house” at the east end of the Exchange Buildings.

“The pictures as pictures (says the N. Y. Courier, in speaking of Daguerreotypes) are superior to any other specimens of the art that we have seen, and as likenesses of the originals, there is no sort of mistake.  No one who would be flattered need sit, but the man or woman who seek a similitude of their own face and features, as exact as it is in the mirror into which they look, had better apply here.  It is not a resemblance but an absolute identity of look and appearance, that is the result.”

Mr. P. has also recently succeeded in taking by the above power some beautiful landscape views.

The third advertisement appeared on March 31, 1841.  Portrait Painting.  R. Palmer has removed his room to 89 (Beach’s Block) Genesee st., where he will be happy to attend to all business in the line of his profession.—As to his ability as an artist, he would leave it with connoisseurs to decide.  His portraits are always ready for inspection: let them speak for themselves.

The Ladies and Gentlemen of Auburn and vicinity are respectfully invited to give him a call. Auburn, March, 1841.

Randolph Palmer is not recorded in other photographic directories.  He is recorded in The New-York Historical Society’s Dictionary Of Artists In America 1584-1860 as a portrait painter working in Auburn, New York from 1839 to 1843 and also working in Albany and Seneca Falls.

S. Mason

Daguerreotypes, Portrait Painter, , , ,

1848                3 Crandell’s Block, Taunton, Massachusetts.

S. Mason was recorded in two advertisements that ran in The True Democrat (Taunton, Massachusetts). The first advertisement ran from August 30 to November 1, 1848. S. Mason, Portrait Painting and Daguerreotype Miniature Rooms, No. 3 Crandell’s Block— Up stairs, Taunton.

The second advertisement ran from November 9, to December 27, 1848.  S. Mason, Portrait Painting No. 3 Crandell’s Block— Up stairs, Taunton.  Daguerreotype Miniature In handsome Morocco Cases taken for One Dollar.

S. Mason is not recorded in other photographic directories. This is possibly Sanford Mason, a portrait painter who was active in Providence, Rhode Island, Boston and Philadelphia.[1]

[1] The New York Historical Society Dictionary of Artists in America 1584-1860.

J. A. McDougal

Portrait Painter, , , ,

1849                251 Broadway, New York, New York.

J. A. McDougal was recorded in one advertisement that ran 16 times between October 4 and November 23, 1849 in the New York Herald (New York, New York). Miniatures.—Mr. J. A. McDougal, Artist, Has returned to his studio, No. 251 Broadway, corner of Murray street, over Tenney’s, in Plumbe’s. Mr. McD. Is enabled by a process peculiar to himself, to copy Daguerreotypes, no matter how dim or faded, and give the expression as well as if from life.

J. A. McDougal is not listed in other photographic directories. This is probably James Alexander McDougall Miniaturist and portrait painter, and not a daguerreotypist.