In May 1846, Dolley Madison, the former first lady and distinguished figure in Washington, posed for a portrait at the studio of an ambitious photographer. This photographer's fleeting venture to showcase portraits of notable public figures was short-lived, leaving Madison's image forgotten in history. Now, Sotheby's is set to auction one of the daguerreotypes from that session, proclaiming it as the earliest known photograph of a first lady. With an online bidding starting on June 12, the estimated value of this historic portrait ranges from $50,000 to $70,000. Emily Bierman, the leader of Sotheby's photography department, hails it as a groundbreaking artifact, likening its significance to that of John Quincy Adams. This rare piece of history offers a unique glimpse into the iconic Dolley Madison and the world of early photography.