Artwork Page for Young Man in Athletic Outfit

Details / Information for Young Man in Athletic Outfit

Young Man in Athletic Outfit

c.1857

attributed to Oliver H. Willard

(American, 1828–1875)
Culture
America
Medium
salted paper print from wet collodion negative
Measurements
Image: 21.5 x 16.5 cm (8 7/16 x 6 1/2 in.); Paper: 22.4 x 17 cm (8 13/16 x 6 11/16 in.); Matted: 50.8 x 40.6 cm (20 x 16 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Charles Isaacs and Carol Nigro 2003.304
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
Print

Description

During this era, people played recreational sports in attire resembling street clothes; this man’s outfit suggests that he was an acrobat or circus performer. It was common in the 19th century to photograph workers with the tools of their trade or in apparel unique to their profession. Photography collectors later labeled that type of photograph as an “occupational.”
A vertically oriented, full-length salted paper print depicts a man with light skin tone and dark hair standing against a dark, featureless backdrop. He wears a light-colored, short-sleeved shirt with rolled sleeves and dark trunks over light-toned leggings. With his right hand resting on his hip and his left arm at his side, he gazes directly at us. Muted sepia and gray tones define the composition, highlighting his focused, athletic form.

Young Man in Athletic Outfit

c.1857

Oliver H. Willard

(American, 1828–1875)
America

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