Photograph by Ed Pollard, Hasselblad H4D50 - 2014.

Self-Portrait

Artist Alexander Gardner (American (born Scotland), 1821 - 1882)

Date1863

MediumAlbumen print (carte-de-visite)

DimensionsOverall: 3 1/2 x 2 1/4 in. (8.9 x 5.7 cm)

ClassificationsPhotography

Credit LineGift of David L. Hack and Museum purchase, with funds from Walter P. Chrysler, Jr., by exchange

Object number98.32.294

Terms

U.S. Civil War
Robert E. Lee
George Washington
Men
Military affairs

Collections

Photography

On View

Not on view

DescriptionThe David L. Hack Civil War Photography Collection. Sepia toned photograph of a man with long hair and a long beard seated in a decorative chair. His legs are crossed and his arm rests on the arm of the chair while his other hand rests on top of his wrist. This is from _Gardner's Photographic Sketchbook of the War_ (Hack Collection No. 2].

Label TextAlexander Gardner American, 1821−1882 Self-Portrait, 1863 Albumen print (photograph) Alexander Gardner took this self-portrait in May 1863, shortly after opening his studio and gallery in Washington, D.C. Recently he had quit his job as an assistant in Mathew Brady’s large photography firm and had begun developing his own thriving business making portraits and fulfilling government commissions. Notice the elaborately carved and upholstered Bembe & Kimbel “House of Representatives” armchair in which he sits. Dozens of politicians and military leaders, including Lincoln, later posed for their portraits in this same grandiose chair, a centerpiece of Gardner’s studio. Gift of David L. Hack and Museum purchase, with funds from Walter P. Chrysler, Jr., by exchange 98.32.294