Untitled 1855 - 1875

This anonymous tintype, "Untitled," from the Art Institute of Chicago, depicts a man in military uniform. The work dates from 1855–75, suggesting it may have been taken during the American Civil War (1861–65). Tintypes were a popular form of portraiture in the 19th century, capturing the likeness of individuals at a time when photography was still a relatively new technology. The soldier's formal pose and the ornate frame add to the sense of formality and importance typical of Civil War-era portraiture.