Artwork Page for Workman in Red Flannel Shirt and Suspenders

Details / Information for Workman in Red Flannel Shirt and Suspenders

Workman in Red Flannel Shirt and Suspenders

c. 1855–60

America

Medium
daguerreotype with hand-applied color
Measurements
Image: 7 x 5.7 cm (2 3/4 x 2 1/4 in.); Case: 9.2 x 8.1 cm (3 5/8 x 3 3/16 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Nina Rosenblum and Lisa Rosenblum 2024.15
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
Print
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Did You Know?

Originally woven out of wool, flannel shirts were warm and durable, an excellent choice for those working outdoors.

Description

The occupation of the man in this photograph is unknown, but he was a laborer who probably worked outside. Daguerreotypes of people in their work clothes are rare outside of “occupational” images, in which workers are shown with the tools of their trade. Such images are crucial to representing the diversity of classes in 19th-century America.
This vertically oriented daguerreotype with hand-applied color depicts a man with light skin tone framed by an oval gold mat. Facing us, he has dark hair with a distinct tuft and a short beard. He wears a muted red shirt and wide white suspenders, with hands clasped. Fine scratches and dust on the silvered plate surround the figure, while a dark background highlights his firm expression and steady, direct gaze.

Workman in Red Flannel Shirt and Suspenders

c. 1855–60

America

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