Sir William Allen 1843 - 1847

"Sir William Allen" is a calotype portrait taken by the Scottish photographic partnership Hill and Adamson in 1843-1847. The photograph, housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, portrays Sir William Allen, a prominent figure in Edinburgh society, in a three-quarter-length pose. He is dressed in formal attire and holds a document in his hand, while a sword and shield are displayed beside him, perhaps alluding to his status and achievements. This work exemplifies the pioneering spirit of early photography, capturing a sense of realism and detail, making it a valuable piece of photographic history.