Untitled (Portrait of a Man) 1855

This 1855 daguerreotype, “Untitled (Portrait of a Man),” depicts an unidentified man, his weathered face and furrowed brow hinting at a life of hardship. The anonymous artist captures a poignant moment in time, highlighting the man's individual presence through the intimacy of the portrait. The small size of the image emphasizes the personal nature of the daguerreotype, a popular medium for capturing likeness in the mid-19th century. The gold frame and velvet matting further enhance the portrait's timeless elegance.