Photographic Portraits

Photographic Portraits

This article talks about the innovation of the camera and changes in styles of photography. Daguerre of Paris invented the original model of the camera, but if only captured the rough etching of an inanimate object. His failure to patent this device resulted in an American inventor, Mr. Beard, taking the original model and attempting to improve upon it. Mr. Beard heard of interest and intrigue from many people wanting to see his device, so he built multiple and stationed them at different attractions around America for the people to experience and see. The article then questions the "perfection" of the camera, and warns people not to get their hopes up when going to the events, and the author adds that it is up to the spectator to decide how well the camera actually works, based on their own self-perception. The article then changes its focus to talking about the actual improvements made upon the camera, most importantly including its increased ability to portray the colors of the image accurately and precisely. The camera, according to the article, is every man's device, as these portraits can be taken of anyone-- families, bachelors, lovers, and even ore can all benefit from the camera and can all enjoy a portrait taken of them. The time of a portrait sitting varies by about a few seconds, depending on the lighting of the situation, but the article does not explicitly state how long a sitting would normally take. Lastly, the author of the article seems to try to convince the reader to go get a portrait taken by saying that having a portrait of those you love is something enjoyable, and is a very nice gesture.

Unknown/Anonymous

New York Public Library, 19th Century UK Periodicals

London: Cleave's London Satirist and Gazette of Variety

Oct 19, 1839 - Oct 12, 1839

Octavo, 1 page, 0 illustrations.

English

Periodical