Edwin Booth (1833-1893) c. 1875

This 19th-century carte de visite photograph, created around 1875 by Jeremiah Gurney, features the renowned American actor Edwin Booth. Booth, known for his dramatic portrayals, is captured in a formal portrait, showcasing his distinguished features and the refined attire of the era. Gurney, a prominent photographer of the time, expertly utilizes the medium to capture Booth's presence, making this a compelling glimpse into the world of 19th-century theater. The image exemplifies the popular format of the carte de visite, a small-sized photograph used for exchanging personal portraits. This particular image is housed in the Minneapolis Institute of Art, offering a glimpse into both the artistry of photography and the cultural significance of portraiture in the 19th century.