Untitled (Portrait of Seated Man Holding a Daguerreotype and Brush) 1865

This is an undated daguerreotype by Samuel J. Miller, a portrait of an unidentified seated man holding a daguerreotype and brush. The image gives us a peek into the burgeoning industry of photography in the mid-19th century. The man in the portrait is likely a photographer or artist involved in the production of daguerreotypes. His tools are his trade, and examples of his work are presented before him. In the United States, this new technology democratized portraiture and helped to shape a new visual culture. Unlike painting, which was the province of the wealthy, early photography offered a relatively affordable way for the middle class to have their likeness captured. To understand the image better, we could research the rise of photography studios in urban centers, the economics of the photography business, and the social implications of widespread access to portraiture. By exploring these sources, we can appreciate the daguerreotype as more than just a picture. It's a cultural artifact embedded in the history of American society and art.