Elizabeth Page Bakewell and her Grandson, Frank B. James 1845 - 1848

This is a daguerreotype by John Plumbe Jr., depicting Elizabeth Page Bakewell and her Grandson, Frank B. James. It's a poignant glimpse into 19th-century American life. Plumbe was an early pioneer of photography in the United States. He captured middle and upper class sitters during a time when portraiture was becoming more accessible. The presence of both grandmother and grandson speaks to generational ties and the importance of familial legacy. Note the details, the lace collar of Elizabeth, the patterned fabric of Frank’s clothing. Such elements speak to the aspirations and social identities of the sitters. Consider the emotional weight of this image: the bond between a grandmother and her grandson, captured in a single, enduring moment. It serves as a potent reminder of the personal histories woven into the broader fabric of our collective past.