Mona Lisa of the Deep

In 2014 explorers recovered a perfectly preserved daguerreotype in the wreck of the SS Central America, a ship that sank in 1857.

The daguerreotype, found at a depth of 7,200 feet, is notable for its exceptional clarity and condition despite its underwater recovery. The find has been likened to the Mona Lisa due to its historical significance and the captivating nature of the image. 

 Daguerreotypes, an early photographic process, are susceptible to damage from oxidation and other environmental factors. The fact  that this daguerreotype remained intact after being submerged for over a century is remarkable. 




The SS Central America was carrying a vast amount of gold when it sank, and the discovery of the daguerreotype adds a human element to the story of the ship and its lost treasure. 




The daguerreotype depicts an unknown woman, and its clarity and the mystery surrounding its subject have drawn comparisons to the enigmatic Mona Lisa. 




Like the Mona Lisa painting, the identity of the woman in the daguerreotype is unknown, adding to the allure and intrigue of the find