Getty Museum

Portrait of a Girl with her Deer

Date

about 1854

Medium

Daguerreotype

Culture

American

Department

Photographs

Institution

Getty Museum

Where in America was this charming study made? The animal, identified as a black-tailed deer, is found only in the Western states, while the girl's dress, rugged and protective, suggests the harsh climate of the upper plains. The fenced enclosure may be a corral, with sturdy farm buildings out of focus in the background. Keeping the fawn still for the daguerreotype's long exposure, with its head turned as if posing for the camera and its ears alertly upright, was a splendid achievement for the girl. The tin she holds undoubtedly contained some treat to reward the animal for its obedience.

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