[Man] 1843 - 1847

This calotype photograph, taken by the Scottish photographic duo Hill and Adamson, depicts an unnamed man seated with a cane in his hand. Created between 1843 and 1847, the image showcases the duo’s mastery of the calotype process, a technique that produced unique, detailed, and nuanced photographs. The man’s solemn expression and the soft, diffused light add a sense of melancholy and introspection to the portrait, making it a poignant example of early photographic portraiture. This work, now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, provides a glimpse into the lives of ordinary people during the 19th century.