Portrait of Two Boys c. 1850s

William Edward Kilburn made this portrait of two young boys, presented as a cased daguerreotype, a very early photographic process popular in the mid-19th century. Consider the rigid formality typical of early photography, reflecting the social expectations placed on children, especially boys, during the Victorian era. Kilburn was known for his portraits of prominent figures, including members of the British Royal Family, so we might assume the sitters here came from families of means. The images subtly capture the intersection of class and gender, portraying these young boys in a manner befitting their status. Notice how the two boys are dressed in elaborate clothing and hold what appear to be books or folios. The backdrop of the painted sky adds a sense of theatricality. The daguerreotype immortalizes a moment in their young lives, but it also serves as a broader commentary on Victorian ideals of childhood, identity, and representation.