Beschreibung:

taken on March 7, 1848. Sixth plate, housed in pressed leather case. Previously known only from a negative, this image descended from the Lexington, Kentucky descendants of Clay's personal physician. There is little need to recount the public service of Henry Clay (1777-1852). As one of the most influential politicians of the 19th century (U.S. House of Representatives, Speaker of the House, Senator, and Presidential candidate in 1844), Clay came to power at the height of the daguerreian era. He was no stranger to the camera, and sat for many poses; this portrait was his favorite. By the time he sat for Root, Clay was a seasoned veteran of the political scene, and still bitterly disappointed at his rejection by the voters in 1844 and his party in '48. Nonetheless, he showed his wit when Root suggested he would like to capture his ..."very smiles." Years later, Root recalled that Clay in turn exclaimed: "Smiles! I can give him frowns if he wants them and with that "Prince Hal" broke into a broad grin "his face radiant with intelligence." While not smiling the present plate, showing the Kentuckian deep in thought, was declared by Clay to be ...decidedly the best and most satisfactory portrait ever taken of him. (see Pfister 1978:203 for both an illustration of this daguerreotype and Root's description of the sitting). Condition: Resealed with paper tape, remnants of first seal retained behind image in case.