R.B. Appleby

American, active c. 1850-1859

BiographyRichard B. Appleby (active 1850s) owned and operated a daguerreotype studio and gallery in Rochester, New York between 1850-59, during the last decade of its popularity in the United States. Appleby expanded his portrait services through the advertising of his well-known clients that included President Millard Fillmore (1800-1874; president 1850-53) and other prominent statesmen and performers. Little is known about Appleby after 1860 when the daguerreotype- a process that relied upon a silver-coated copper plate to create a detailed but unique image- was eclipsed by the introduction of the photographic negative print. Nevertheless, the excellent tonal range and clarity of Appleby’s daguerreotype indicates his technical skill with this new, photographic technique during its short-lived existence.

Person TypeIndividual

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