Getty Museum
Portrait of Frederick Langenheim
Creator
William LangenheimAmerican Daguerreotypist · 1807–1874
All works by this person →As a young man, William Langenheim emigrated to the United States from Germany. He settled in Texas, where he served in the Mexican-American War under General Samuel Houston and helped to recapture the Alamo in 1836. In 1840 William moved to Philadelphia with his brother Frederick. They opened a daguerreian gallery in Philadelphia's Mercantile Exchange, displaying samples of their work to build th
More on Getty ULAN- Date
- about 1848
- Medium
- Daguerreotype
- Culture
- American
- Department
- Photographs
- Institution
- Getty Museum
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.
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