Untitled (Portrait of a Man) c. 1850

This anonymous portrait, titled "Untitled (Portrait of a Man)" and dating from around 1850, is a fine example of early daguerreotype portraiture. Created on a small-scale, measuring 19 × 13.7 cm, it is a highly detailed depiction of a man, likely a member of the middle class, dressed in the formal attire of the time. The use of an oval frame, a common convention in portraiture, emphasizes the subject's presence and provides a classic aesthetic. This artwork, now part of the collection of The Art Institute of Chicago, offers a glimpse into the personal lives and styles of the mid-19th century.