Untitled [portrait of a young man] 1852 - 1858

Jeremiah Gurney's "Untitled [portrait of a young man]" (1852-1858) is a daguerreotype, a photographic process popular in the mid-19th century. The miniature portrait, encased in a wooden frame, depicts a young man with dark hair and a serious expression. He is dressed in a dark suit and a white cravat, a common style for men of the era. The image is a striking example of early photography and showcases Gurney's skill in capturing likeness and detail. The small size of the work, typical of daguerreotypes, suggests its intended purpose as a personal keepsake for the sitter or their family. The Minneapolis Institute of Art houses this work and provides a glimpse into 19th-century portraiture and the emergence of photography as a medium for capturing personal identity.