[Portrait of a Young Man] 1840

"Portrait of a Young Man" is an 1840 daguerreotype by Samuel Morse, known for his invention of the telegraph. The image captures a young man in a formal pose, likely a portrait commissioned by the sitter. The small size of the daguerreotype is typical for the period, meant for private viewing and reminiscence. The sharp detail and muted tones of the daguerreotype process are evident in the portrait's subtle shadows and textures. This intimate piece reflects the burgeoning popularity of portraiture in the early 19th century.