Christie's - The Maillet Daguerreotype Collection

This June, Christie’s is offering one of the most significant collections of daguerreotypes to come to market in the last 25 years. First introduced in 1839 by Joseph Nicéphore Niépce and Louis-Jacques-Mandé Daguerre, the daguerreotype was the first truly practical photographic system and quickly became an international sensation. Due to their nature, daguerreotypes are unique objects, adding to their rarity and historical value.

Beginning in the 1960s, Lynn and Yann Maillet passionately pursued collecting these rare photographic works. This was a time when extraordinary pieces were being discovered and the daguerreotype market was still in its early stages. The Maillets’ collection is well-known within the field for its exceptional depth and breadth but has remained largely private until now. The collection includes over 200 lots that have never before been on public view.

Among the highlights of the collection are works by celebrated daguerreotypists like Samuel Morse, Robert Cornelius, John Ruskin, and Platt D. Babbitt,…