Self-Portrait with a Recent Invention

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Self-Portrait with a Recent Invention

Creator

William Constable

British Daguerreotypist · 1783–1861

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Photographer

William Constable first had a long career as a civil engineer. As a surveyor and designer of railroad bridges, he was familiar with a variety of optical instruments, including the camera obscura. Almost as soon as the invention of the daguerreotype was announced, Constable became interested in mastering this new process. In 1841 Constable opened a portrait studio in Brighton, England. On a visit t

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Date: about 1854
Medium: Daguerreotype
Culture: British
Department: Photographs
Institution: Getty Museum

William Constable was both an artist and inventor. Here he showed off his most recent scientific invention: an improved regulating device to increase the efficiency of steam power. Constable placed himself with the invention behind him on his right. Rather than position the invention in center frame, Constable shifted it to the left so as to include himself proudly clasping the device. The composition calls as much attention to his own role as inventor as to the invention itself.

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