1841 Over J. S. Perkins & Co.’s, entrance 178 Essex Street, Salem, Massachusetts.
Keene & Cannon (Peter H. Keene & Marsena Cannon) were recorded in two advertisements and two announcements. The first advertisement ran from July 29 to October 7, 1841. In the Salem Register (Salem, Massachusetts). Miniature Portraits By Daguerreotype, Over J. S. Perkins & Co.’s, entrance 178 Essex Street. Messrs. Keene & Cannon respectfully invite the attention of the citizens of Salem and vicinity, to their new Daguerreotype Establishment. Having obtained all the improvements in the photographic process, and procured a Camera, manufactured expressly for themselves, directly from the studio of Professor Morse, of New York, they will guarantee Miniature Portraits, unsurpassed incorrectness and beauty by any like establishment in the Union. And no person will be permitted to take pictures from their room unless perfectly satisfactory.—Their pictures are entirely free from that unnatural and distorted appearance which is so often seen in productions of the kind; nor is the subject detained with long and tedious sittings, but in a few moments after entering the room, he may gaze on a facsimile of himself, of Nature’s own pencilling, as perfect as when reflected on a mirror; and far surpassing in precision and minuteness of delineation, the pencil of the most accomplished artist.
In conclusion they would remark, that they esteem the good old proverb, “by their works shall ye know them,” and by it they are willing to be tried. Call at their room, and at Mr. Whipple’s Bookstore, and examine specimens.
Miniatures set in cases, from $4 to $5. Groups taken if required. Instructions $25. Apparatus and materials furnished to pupils of superior quality
The first announcement appeared on August 9, 1841 in the Salem Register (Salem, Massachusetts). Daguerreotype Miniatures. We would call the attention of or readers to the new Daguerreotype Establishment of Messrs. Keene & Cannon, in the chamber over the store of J. S. Perkins & Co., entrance No. 178 Essex street. Their apparatus, manufactured expressly for themselves, in complete, and embraces all the improvements in the photographic process, recently introduced into this country.—The miniatures executed by them are wonderfully perfect, and surpass in correctness and beauty any that we have ever seen; they as far exceed those that have ever before come under our notice, as an exquisitely finished steel engraving does one coarsely and clumsily executed on wood. Indeed, we can conceive of nothing which can be added to make these pictures more life-like, unless it be the colors and tints of nature itself. In this respect only, if at all, can a painted portrait be preferred. In all others, in accuracy and minuteness of delineation, in the striking correctness of the features, in the delicate alterternations of light and shade, the Daguerreotype Miniature is as much superior to a painting, as the veritable productions of Nature are to the pencillings of the most accomplished artist.—These superiorities, together with the ease with which the likenesses are taken, (requiring a sitting of only a minute or two) and the low price at which they can be obtained, must render them exceedingly popular. If any one thinks our assertions overwrought, let them call at the studio of Messrs. Keene & Cannon, examine some of their specimens, and satisfy himself of the wonderful results of this process. A picture comprising more than one individual can be taken, if required, and this fact will afford families a good opportunity to obtain interesting collections.—Several very beautiful representations of children in groups have been executed by the gentlemen of whose artistical efforts we have been speaking.
What new wonders may be in store for us from further improvements, we know not. Daguerre, the originator of the process, is constantly making important improvements, and the able Paris correspondent of the National Intelligencer writes that he has nearly perfected his invaluable discovery, in obtaining instantaneous impressions by means of electricity. A slight haze, however, is left on the impression, which he wishes to correct before he exhibits the results of his new process. Daguerre’s friends boast that he has now rendered it easy to copy the largest assembly of persons, with their momentary countenances and most animated gestures!
The second announcement was recorded from the Massachusetts Charitable Mechanic Association records, September 20, 1841. Exhibited daguerreotypes at the third exhibition of the Massachusetts Charitable Mechanic Association Fair. No award was given.
The second advertisement ran from October 7 to October 25, 1841 in the Salem Register (Salem, Massachusetts). Daguerreotype Miniatures, By M. Cannon, Over J. S. Perkins & Co.’s, entrance 178 Essex Street.
Miniatures taken in any weather, fair or foul, from 9 o’clock A. M. till three P. M. Instruction given on reasonable terms, and Apparatus and Materials of superior quality furnished and warranted good.
Miniatures from three to five dollars, including a good morocco case, or they will be set in Lockets or Breast Pins. Groups taken if desired. Those who have been waiting on Keene & Cannon, for Miniatures, will call on the subscriber, who is authorized to settle all the affairs of the firm. Marsena Cannon.
Keene & Cannon are not recorded in A Directory of Massachusetts Photographers 1839-1900. Both Peter H. Keene and Marsena Cannon are recorded in other photographic directories. Craig’s Daguerreian Registry does reference the partnership under Peter H. Keene, but does not identify Marsena Cannon as the partner.