[Man with Bucket and Paint Brush] 1855 - 1869

“[Man with Bucket and Paint Brush]” is a daguerreotype portrait created by Peter Ralston between 1855 and 1869. The subject is a man, possibly a laborer, wearing a simple, work-worn jacket and trousers. He stands confidently against a dark background, holding a bucket and a paintbrush, tools of his trade. The daguerreotype’s small size and ornate frame, typical of the era, suggest this was likely a cherished personal memento. The image offers a glimpse into the lives of ordinary people during a period of rapid change and industrialization in the United States.