Ralph Waldo Emerson before 1886

This anonymous portrait of Ralph Waldo Emerson, taken sometime before 1886, captures the American transcendentalist author in a contemplative pose. Emerson, known for his essays on self-reliance and the importance of individual intuition, is depicted seated and holding a piece of paper, perhaps reflecting on his own writings or ideas. The image, a simple yet dignified depiction of a prominent figure of 19th-century American thought, highlights Emerson's intellectual presence and serves as a visual reminder of his lasting legacy.