This visually stunning daguerreotype shows a young boy who appears to be of Western European descent. Two women dressed in identical gorgeous regional outfits sit on each side of him. The one on the right lovingly places her arm around his waist while the other woman places her hand on his shoulder. Both gaze intently at the camera with ease. The young boy, wearing an equally striking outfit complete with tasseled hat, stares to the right with indifference.

The signature in the bottom left corner reads: Thre Leeuw, De Paris. According to Photographers in Damascus, 1840-1918 by Badr El-Hage, Theodore Leeuw established the first professional studio in Beriut in the 1840’s. He was killed in Israel on January 8, 1856.

The plate has been professionally resealed in a modern passe-partout presentation with an archival paper mat more fitting to its original format. It is quite vibrant, with lovely tones and contrast, which is most unusual for an image from this region in the early years of photography. There is a wide area of perimeter tarnish and a few minor marks are visible. This is an extraordinary rare daguerreotype that when sold will not likely see the market again.

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