This far-famed Frenchman, who has given his name to the art which he
first discovered, the Daguerreotype, died not long since, at his
residence, near Paris. The likeness which we present herewith, is from
an original, taken after his own style and invention, and is
necessarily correct. It would be superfluous for us to enlarge upon
the merits of an art so familiar to all. Daguerre was an artist, a
painter, and also possessed considerable chemical talent and taste;
and it was while experimenting for other purposes, that he discovered
the art which now bears his name. It was destined, however, to be
wonderfully improved by other hands, and it is said that the Americans
have produced by far the most perfect and beautiful specimens of the
art that have ever yet been exhibited. Daguerre was favorably known to
the world before the announcement of his discovery of the
Daguerreotype. His attempts to improve panoramic paintings, and the
production of dioramic effects, were crowned with the most eminent
success. His pictures attracted much attention at the time of their
exhibition. In them the alternate effects of night and day――of storm
and sunshine――were beautifully produced. To these effects of light
were added others, arising from the decomposition of form, by means of
which, for example, in the ‘Midnight Mass,’ figures appeared where the
spectators had just beheld seats, altars, etc.; or, again, as in ‘The
Valley of Goldau,’ in which rocks tumbling from the mountains replaced
the prospect of a smiling valley. He was in the 62d year of his age at
the time of his death, and is represented to have been an extremely
modest and worthy man, and one devoted to his profession of the fine
arts.
[Illustration: VICTOR HUGO.]