Untitled (Portrait of a Seated Man with Knife) 1863

"Untitled (Portrait of a Seated Man with Knife)" is an 1863 daguerreotype, a photographic process that was popular in the mid-19th century, by an anonymous artist. It depicts a man seated, holding a knife in his right hand. The man has a serious expression and a prominent mustache. The photograph is encased in an ornate gold frame, adding to its historical charm. The image offers a glimpse into the lives of ordinary people during a time of great societal change and provides a tangible connection to the past. The daguerreotype is currently on display at The Art Institute of Chicago.