Augustus Washington (1820-1875), American.

AUCTIONEER’S NOTE: this image an oversized 16th plate! NOT a ninth plate.

Rare oversized ninth-plate daguerreotype of a young woman.

According to Craig's Daguerreian Registry, "A black daguerreian, he first operated in Hanover, N.H., in 1843-1844 while attending Dartmouth College. He moved to Hartford, Conn. in 1844, and was first listed in a directory there in 1845-1846, without an occupation. In 1847 one directly listed him as a daguerreian at 9 Waverly Building; another noted him in Kellogg's Building at 136 Main Street. In 1850-1851 he was listed at 136 Main Street, a few doors north of Centre Church. He advertised the oldest daguerreian establishment in the city, and remained in that location in 1852-1853. In 1853-1854 he advertised a branch gallery at 180 Main Street, "where some of the best artists in the country are employed."

Washington is best known for his powerful daguerreotypes of the radical abolitionist John Brown curated at the Nelson Atkins Museum and the National Portrait Gallery.