[James Baker Pyne] 1860s

This carte de visite, taken by John and Charles Watkins in the 1860s, depicts James Baker Pyne, a prominent American art critic and collector. The photograph, a popular form of portraiture in the mid-19th century, captures Pyne in a formal pose, holding a pencil and leaning against a sketchbook, suggesting his occupation. The image is characteristic of the era's photographic style, showcasing a clear, detailed portrayal of its subject. The photograph is now part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection.