Untitled (Portrait of a Woman in a Hat) 1840 - 1900

This anonymous 19th century daguerreotype portrait of a woman in a hat is a classic example of early photographic portraiture. The subject, dressed in a simple, elegant outfit, sits with a confident, almost regal posture. The image's faded tones and subtle details, characteristic of the medium, add a sense of timelessness. The oval-shaped image, framed within an ornate border, reflects the artistic sensibilities of the era and its focus on preserving individual likeness. This work, now part of The Art Institute of Chicago's collection, provides a glimpse into the lives and styles of people from a bygone era.