Cornelius Vanderbilt (1794-1877) 1869 - 1874

This is a photograph of Cornelius Vanderbilt by Jeremiah Gurney. The composition of this portrait, constrained within an oval frame, emphasizes the figure's upper body. Note how Gurney uses light and shadow to sculpt Vanderbilt's face, lending it a chiseled, almost monumental quality. The sepia tone flattens the image, giving it a timeless feel. The formal aspects of this image extend beyond mere representation; the composition reflects a broader shift towards standardizing portraiture. This approach is in line with the burgeoning industrial age, where efficiency and standardization were becoming increasingly valued. The choice of sepia tones, combined with the tight framing, adds to the image's symbolic weight, suggesting the subject's enduring presence in the annals of history. Ultimately, the photograph is not just a depiction of an individual, but a constructed image, carefully composed to convey specific ideals of power, permanence, and historical significance.