[Thomas Webster] 1860s

This carte de visite portrait of Thomas Webster, taken by the photographers John and Charles Watkins in the 1860s, showcases the British artist in a formal pose. Webster, known for his genre paintings depicting everyday life in Victorian England, is captured in a close-up, revealing intricate details of his features and clothing. The image's small size, a characteristic of carte de visite format, suggests its intended use as a personal memento or social calling card. This photograph, now part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection, provides a glimpse into the life and work of a prominent Victorian artist.