“This albumen print of "[Morrell]" is a window into 1860s portraiture, showcasing the sharp detail and tonal richness of an early photographic process, capturing an individual's presence with striking clarity.”
This small albumen silver print, titled "[Morrell]", captures a man in a formal pose, typical of mid-19th century studio portraiture. He is seen from the chest up, his gaze directed slightly off-camera, lending a sense of thoughtful introspection. The crisp details, from the texture of his jacket to the subtle shadows defining his features, are characteristic of the albumen print process, which was celebrated for its sharp resolution and rich tonal range. This particular photograph, with its intimate scale and direct presentation, offers a glimpse into how individuals wished to be remembered and presented during a time when photography was still a relatively new and exciting medium. It serves as a tangible link to a person from 1860, allowing us to consider the enduring human desire to capture and preserve an image for posterity.
- Artist
- Maurice
- Date
- 1860
- Medium
- Albumen silver print
- Location
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art
- Dimensions
- Approx. 10.2 x 6.3 cm (4 x 2 1/2 in.)
- Collection
- Photographs
- Credit line
- The Albert Ten Eyck Gardner Collection, Gift of the Centennial Committee, 1970
What to Notice
Five details hide in plain sight. Here’s where to look.
![[Morrell]](https://images.artwhisper.app/artworks/580348b9-948f-4cb2-b4f7-cfb20d1205a4/c49476bd-b520-410a-b57c-fb769e031107_sm.jpg)
The man's direct, yet slightly averted, gaze.
The subtle variations in tone, from deep shadows to bright highlights.
The texture of his clothing, particularly the lapel of his jacket.
The way the light falls on his face, highlighting his features.
1 more detail is waiting.
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Maurice
The artist behind vibrant Fauvist street scenes and colorful depictions of Paris and French villages.
Further Works by Maurice
Springtime
1889 · The Metropolitan Museum of Art
André Derain
1906 · The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Relief
1960 · National Museum in Warsaw
[A.H. Wenzler]
1860 · The Metropolitan Museum of Art
[Eugene Benson]
1860 · The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Flute Harmonique
1867 · The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Large Boston Public Garden Sketchbook: The Huntington Avenue Streetcar
1895 · The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Self-Portrait
1927 · Philadelphia Museum of Art
More works to explore
Beyond Maurice: works from the same years.
Same era · 1840s–1870s
The Backgammon Players
Philip Webb · 1861 · The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Same era · 1840s–1870s
The Cottage by the Roadside, Stormy Sky
Léon-Victor Dupré · 1855 · Art Institute of Chicago
Same era · 1840s–1870s
Young Spartan Girls Challenging Boys
Edgar Degas · 1860 · Art Institute of Chicago
Same era · 1840s–1870s
Monsieur Suisse
Gustave Courbet · 1861 · The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Same era · 1840s–1870s
Pools by the Seaside
William Hart · 1861 · Buffalo AKG Art Museum
Same era · 1840s–1870s
An Arab Warrior
Mariano Fortuny Marsal · 1862 · Hispanic Society of America
Same era · 1840s–1870s
Lion Hunt
Eugène Delacroix · 1858 · Museum of Fine Arts Boston
Same era · 1840s–1870s
The Sheepshearers
Jean-François Millet · 1857 · Art Institute of Chicago
Same era · 1840s–1870s
Alfred Sisley
Pierre-Auguste Renoir · 1864 · Foundation E.G. Bührle Collection
Same era · 1840s–1870s
Beggar with Oysters (Philosopher)
Édouard Manet · 1864 · Art Institute of Chicago
Same era · 1840s–1870s
The Banks of the Marne in Winter
Camille Pissarro · 1866 · Art Institute of Chicago
Same era · 1840s–1870s
Joséphine-Éléonore-Marie-Pauline de Galard de Brassac de Béarn (1825–1860), Princesse de Broglie
Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres · 1853 · Metropolitan Museum of Art
![[Morrell] by Maurice](https://images.artwhisper.app/artworks/580348b9-948f-4cb2-b4f7-cfb20d1205a4/c49476bd-b520-410a-b57c-fb769e031107_lg.jpg)