The Chemist
Artist
Unknown
Dateca. 1850
MediumDaguerreotype
DimensionsPlate (sixth): 3 1/4 × 2 3/4 inches (8.26 × 6.99 cm)
Case (open): 3 5/8 × 6 1/2 × 3/8 inches (9.22 × 16.51 × 0.97 cm)
Case (closed): 3 5/8 × 3 1/4 × 5/8 inches (9.22 × 8.26 × 1.6 cm)
Case (open): 3 5/8 × 6 1/2 × 3/8 inches (9.22 × 16.51 × 0.97 cm)
Case (closed): 3 5/8 × 3 1/4 × 5/8 inches (9.22 × 8.26 × 1.6 cm)
Credit LineGift of the Hall Family Foundation
Object number2017.24.32
Signednone
Inscribednone
MarkingsOn modern paper seal, in pencil: "Hallmark double star A. [G...?] 40 Retaped 3.18.17 / CAW Exeter, NH"
On View
Not on viewCollections
DescriptionPortrait of seated man in three-quarter profile pouring dark liquid into a beaker. He wears a suit jacket, shirt with stand up collar, and wrap-around bow tie. He rests his left elbow on the table, which holds a mortar and pestle, tiny scale, and various other glass bottles of liquid. This sixth plate cased daguerreotype is housed in a leather case with a burgundy velvet liner; the case depicts two birds flying above a basket overflowing with flowers.Exhibition HistoryRotation 26. The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City, MO, March 29, 2019- August 25, 2019, no cat.
An occupational portrait depicts a subject with the tools of their trade, or other emblems of personal interest or expertise. The "occupational" was an important aspect of portraiture in the daguerreotype era of the 1840s and 1850s. This approach expanded the definition of portraiture. An individual’s portrait was not restricted to only their likeness, but could include other extensions of identity.
Hall Family Foundation, Kansas City, MO, 2017;
Given by the Hall Family Foundation to The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City, MO, 2017.
Given by the Hall Family Foundation to The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City, MO, 2017.
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