The newly found daguerrotype, taken around 1859, is only the second known photograph of Dickinson and features the poet with her newly widowed friend.
The first photo, from 1847, is of the young poet at 16 and has been featured on countless book covers. This new photo is of the poet all growed up in her late-20’s and approaching her most reclusive and productive years. Amherst added, “If the daguerreotype is eventually accepted as Dickinson, it will change our idea of her, providing a view of the poet as a mature woman showing striking presence, strength, and serenity.” More importantly, according to a textile expert and trained fashion cop, the dress Dickinson is wearing would have been out-of-date for the late 1850’s and she didn’t accessorize.
