Untitled (Portrait of a Standing Man) 1848

Edward Tompkins Whitney's 1848 daguerreotype, "Untitled (Portrait of a Standing Man)," captures a formally dressed man in a studio setting. The image, housed at the Art Institute of Chicago, showcases the meticulous detail and clarity of the daguerreotype process, a groundbreaking photographic technique. The subject's solemn expression and sharp features create a sense of formality, characteristic of early portraiture. The use of a dark background further emphasizes the subject, making him the focal point of the composition. This piece provides insight into the artistic and technological advancements of mid-19th century photography.