Portrait of Two Boys c. 1850s

William Edward Kilburn's "Portrait of Two Boys" (c. 1850s) is a daguerreotype, a popular photographic process of the 19th century. The work showcases two young boys, seated side by side, dressed in formal attire and holding books. The composition, typical of early portraiture, focuses on the subjects and their clothing. The use of a neutral background, a common practice in daguerreotypes, emphasizes the figures and creates a sense of formality. The daguerreotype's unique detail and the boys' serious expressions highlight the portrait's historical and social significance.