Portrait of Josh Billings (Henry W. Shaw) 1876

This is a portrait of Josh Billings, the pen name of Henry W. Shaw, made sometime in the 19th century by Jeremiah Gurney. It is a ‘carte de visite,’ a calling card that became a popular form of portraiture in the United States during the 1860s. During the Civil War, the carte de visite became a way for soldiers to have their portraits taken and sent home, thus sustaining their connection to family. It was also popular among celebrities who had them made and sold them. This is likely how this portrait of Josh Billings, a famous humorist of his time, made its way into circulation. Gurney was a prolific photographer and successful businessman. He was known for his portraits of prominent political and cultural figures. To further understand this image, one would need to research the history of photography in the United States, the rise of celebrity culture, and the social history of the Civil War. The meaning of this image is contingent on its social and institutional context, which historical research helps us to understand.