Self-portrait
Artist
Henry E. Insley
(American, 1811 - 1894)
Dateca. 1850-1855
MediumDaguerreotype
DimensionsPlate (whole): 8 1/2 × 6 1/2 inches (21.59 × 16.51 cm)
Case (open): 9 × 14 × 3/8 inches (22.86 × 35.56 × 0.95 cm)
Case (closed): 9 × 7 × 3/4 inches (22.86 × 17.78 × 1.91 cm)
Case (open): 9 × 14 × 3/8 inches (22.86 × 35.56 × 0.95 cm)
Case (closed): 9 × 7 × 3/4 inches (22.86 × 17.78 × 1.91 cm)
Credit LineGift of Hallmark Cards, Inc.
Object number2005.27.419
On View
Not on viewCollections
DescriptionImage of a man wearing a dark suit and tie. His thick hair is parted on the side and he his head is turned towards the viewer. This whole plate cased daguerreotype is housed in an oval brass mat inside of a case with a red velvet liner.Gallery LabelHenry Insley began his career as a daguerreotypist in the fall of 1839 and operated a successful portrait studio for many years. This self-portrait depicts Insley in middle-age, as a poised and well-dressed professional. As his intense gaze suggests, he took his job seriously. According to one account, Insley could, at times, lose his patience with customers. During one portrait session, Insley grew frustrated when a man rejected his instructions to sit still. Exasperated, Insley encouraged his client to “go home and die and then send an order to have his picture taken in repose.”
Hallmark Cards, Inc., Kansas City, MO, 1997;
Given by Hallmark Cards, Inc. to The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City, MO, 2005.
Given by Hallmark Cards, Inc. to The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City, MO, 2005.
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