Portret van Thomas Church Brownell before 1861

This carte de visite portrait by J. Gurney & Son, dating to before 1861, depicts Thomas Church Brownell, Bishop of Connecticut. The photograph shows Brownell in formal attire, wearing glasses and looking directly at the viewer. The small size and oval shape of the image are characteristic of the popular carte de visite format, which gained widespread use in the mid-19th century. This particular example is likely part of a larger album, as it shows signs of binding on the edges. The biographical text accompanying the image details Brownell’s life and career, including his roles as president of Trinity College, Hartford, and his authorship of "The Commentary on the Prayer Book". This portrait provides a glimpse into the life of a prominent figure in the history of the Episcopal Church in America.