Henry John Temple 1860s

This carte de visite, a popular photographic format in the 19th century, is a portrait of Henry John Temple, Viscount Palmerston, a prominent British statesman who served as Prime Minister twice. The photograph, taken by Henry Hering in the 1860s, captures Palmerston in a formal pose, standing with his arms crossed, dressed in a dark frock coat and trousers. The image is a testament to the growing popularity of photography as a means of documenting individuals, particularly those of historical significance. The photograph is now housed in the Art Institute of Chicago, offering a glimpse into the life and work of a pivotal figure in British history.