Untitled 1839 - 1860

This anonymous daguerreotype portrait, dating from 1839 to 1860, showcases a young woman in a formal pose. The subject, with her hand raised in a gesture of salutation, is framed by an elaborate gilded oval. Daguerreotypes, a revolutionary photographic process, became popular for capturing portraits during the 19th century. This intimate and detailed image, currently housed at the Art Institute of Chicago, exemplifies the artistic potential of early photography and offers a glimpse into the lives of everyday individuals in 19th-century America.