Untitled (Portrait of a Boy Holding a Hat) 1854

"Untitled (Portrait of a Boy Holding a Hat)" is a daguerreotype created in 1854 by George H. Johnson. This intimate portrait captures a young boy, likely from the 19th century, holding a hat in his left hand. The boy's serious expression and sharp details, made possible by the daguerreotype process, offer a glimpse into the lives of everyday individuals during this period. This piece is currently held at the Art Institute of Chicago. The small size of the daguerreotype, typical of the format, emphasizes the personal nature of this 19th-century portrait.