Cleveland Museum of Art

Workman in Red Flannel Shirt and Suspenders

Date

c. 1855–60

Medium

daguerreotype with hand-applied color

Culture

America

Department

Photography

Institution

Cleveland Museum of Art

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

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