The J. Paul Getty Museum

Portrait of Frederick Langenheim

Object Details

Title:

Portrait of Frederick Langenheim

Artist/Maker:

William Langenheim (American, born Germany, 1807 - 1874)

Culture:

American

Date:

about 1848

Medium:

Daguerreotype

Object Number:

84.XT.172.3

Dimensions:

8.9 × 7 cm (3 1/2 × 2 3/4 in.)

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Object Description

This daguerreotype portrait of Frederick Langenheim by his brother and studio partner, William, displays a masterful control of light. The fine detail reveals even the minute check pattern of Frederick's vest and the subtle striping of his topcoat. He sits quietly, looking directly into the camera and holding what appears to be a closed daguerreotype case in his hands.

Daguerreotypes were very delicate and the image could be scratched rather easily, so they were frequently mounted behind a glass and mat in a velvet-lined case. The Langenheims may have used this accomplished portrait in their studio window display to entice potential customers. The embossed word "Exchange" on the case lining indicates the street where their Philadelphia studios were located.

Provenance
Provenance
1984 -

Werner Bokelberg

Exhibitions
Exhibitions
The Art of the Daguerreotype (April 14 to July 12, 1998)
  • The J. Paul Getty Museum at the Getty Center (Los Angeles), April 14 to July 12, 1998
In Focus: Daguerreotypes (November 3, 2015 to March 20, 2016)
  • The J. Paul Getty Museum at the Getty Center (Los Angeles), November 3, 2015 to March 20, 2016
Bibliography
Bibliography

Lowry, Bates, and Isabael Barrett Lowry. The Silver Canvas : Daguerreotype Masterpieces from the J. Paul Getty Museum, exh. cat. (Los Angeles: J. Paul Getty Museum, 1998), p. 54, pl. 13.