The daguerreotype firm of Southworth and Hawes was noted for creating incisive character portraits of America's most prominent citizens. In an exceptional series of views taken at the shipyard of Donald McKay, Southworth and Hawes presented a portrait of American enterprise. McKay's technologically advanced operation in East Boston used steam-powered sawmills and derricks to streamline construction of his legendary clipper ships. This daguerreotype, originally vignetted by an oval mat, brings us into the heart of the business. Stacks of timber fill the foreground, while a construction bay and a clipper ship in the middle distance complete a story of American mercantile and maritime success.

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