Artwork preview

Portrait of a Child

Albert Sands Southworth and Josiah Johnson Hawes

National Gallery of Art

The image shows an upper-body view of a young child who is seated and positioned slightly to the side with their head turned towards the left. The child's facial expression is neutral, and they have light-colored hair that is neatly combed and parted to the side. They are wearing a plaid dress with short sleeves and a square neckline with a white lace trim. One arm is across their chest, resting on the fabric of the dress. There is a delicate pearl earring visible in one ear. The background consists of a blurred, dark textured surface, possibly fabric, creating a neutral backdrop. The photograph is encased in a gold-toned frame that has a spattered pattern of darker spots.

Artwork Details

Date
c. 1850
Medium
daguerreotype
Dimensions
5327 × 5955 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
View original