Untitled (Mother and Child in an Informal Pose) 1839 - 1860

This daguerreotype, “Untitled (Mother and Child in an Informal Pose),” is a poignant example of early photography from the mid-19th century. The image captures a tender moment between a mother and her young child, likely taken for personal remembrance. The intimacy of the pose and the simplicity of the composition are hallmarks of the daguerreotype process, which emerged as a popular medium for portraiture. This particular piece, now housed at The Art Institute of Chicago, offers a glimpse into the domestic life and photographic practices of the era.