Untitled (Portrait of a Standing Man with Top Hat) 1855

This tintype portrait, titled "Untitled (Portrait of a Standing Man with Top Hat)," was taken in 1855 by an anonymous artist. The image shows a man in a top hat, coat, and waistcoat, holding a walking stick. Tintypes were a popular and affordable photographic process in the mid-19th century, capturing the likeness of everyday people. The image's small size and simple composition suggest an intimate portrait intended for personal use. The man's serious expression and the faint background imply a sense of formality and restraint, characteristic of 19th-century portraiture. This work is housed at The Art Institute of Chicago, offering a glimpse into the lives of individuals during a period of significant social and technological change.