[Occupational portrait of two men, standing full length holding floor rammers, foundry tools used for packing sand against molds] [graphic].
still image
Daguerreotypes 1840-1860. gmgpc
Portrait photographs 1840-1850. gmgpc
[ca. 1850]
eng
Caption label from exhibit "American Treasures--Memory": Tools of the Trade. Louis-Jacques-MandeĢ Daguerre invented the daguerreotype process which was later announced in France on August 19, 1839. Although a complex and slow process, American photographers quickly capitalized on this new invention because of its capability of capturing a "truthful likeness." Typically portraiture in nature, celebrities, political figures, as well as tradesman were often invited and encouraged to have their pictures taken by daguerreotypists. Daguerreotype portraits of workers provide a revealing look at the nineteenth century American trades. Workers, proud of their skills and professions, chose to present themselves honestly, spending nearly one day's wage for their photographic portrait.
Case: Eichmeyer variant.
Forms part of: Daguerreotype collection (Library of Congress).
Exhibited: American Treasures of the Library of Congress, Library of Congress, 2005-2006.
Exhibited as a digital copy in: "Not an Ostrich: And Other Images from America's Library" at the Annenberg Space for Photography, 2018; Business & Science section.
Laborers--1840-1860.
Daguerreotype collection (Library of Congress)
http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/ppmsca.51818
http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/cph.3g11324
Original served by appointment only.
No known restrictions on publication.