Sophie Hartman c. 1860s

This hand-tinted daguerreotype, created by artist George D. Wise in the 1860s, depicts Sophie Hartman, a woman seated with a somber expression. She is wearing a dark patterned dress, with a white collar and white bows in her hair. The subject is seated in a chair, with a green velvet upholstery, and a red velvet curtain behind her. This image, a valuable document of the era, captures both a personal portrait and the style of 19th-century photography. The meticulous detail and the choice of colors make the daguerreotype a striking example of the artistry of the era.