Untitled (Portrait of a Man Reading a Newspaper and Wearing a Top Hat) 1855

This 1855 daguerreotype, "Untitled (Portrait of a Man Reading a Newspaper and Wearing a Top Hat)," depicts a man in formal attire engrossed in reading. The small size of the image, a common characteristic of daguerreotypes, emphasizes the intimacy of the portrait, which is now housed in the Art Institute of Chicago. The subject's focused expression and the newspaper he holds suggest a moment of quiet contemplation, highlighting the social and cultural significance of reading in the mid-19th century. This snapshot of everyday life offers a glimpse into the past, preserving a fleeting moment in time through the unique artistry of daguerreotype photography.