Untitled (Portrait of a Baby and Dog) 1858

This small daguerreotype, dating back to 1858, captures a tender moment between a young child and their canine companion. The image, likely taken by an anonymous photographer, displays a sweet and intimate portrait of the two subjects, with a dog standing behind a seated baby, adding a sense of domesticity to the composition. The image, now housed in The Art Institute of Chicago, provides a glimpse into the lives of a 19th-century family. This intimate scene, with its detailed rendering of the child's clothing and the dog's fur, offers a charming portrayal of childhood and companionship, showcasing the delicate beauty of early photographic portraiture.