[S.Read] 1860s

This carte de visite, a popular photographic format of the 19th century, was created by John and Charles Watkins, prominent photographers in London, England. The portrait, dating from the 1860s, depicts a man in formal attire, likely a member of the upper class. The image captures the sharp detail and subtle tonal range characteristic of the wet collodion process used at the time. The inscription "J.Read" suggests this portrait was likely intended for personal use or as a social calling card. The piece, currently housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, provides a glimpse into Victorian portraiture and the social customs of the era.