Untitled (Portrait of a Boy) c. 1850s

"Untitled (Portrait of a Boy)" is a daguerreotype created by L. H. Hale around the 1850s. This portrait showcases a young boy, likely a member of the Hale family, dressed in a formal jacket and standing against a backdrop of patterned fabric. The image is framed in a simple gold and red frame, typical of the era. The daguerreotype’s delicate details and the boy's solemn expression capture the spirit of early portraiture, showcasing the artistic advancements of the 19th century. This work, part of The Art Institute of Chicago’s collection, provides a glimpse into a bygone era and the lives of everyday people.