Phineas T. Barnum

Phineas T. Barnum

Mathew Brady Studio, active 1844 - 1894 (attributed)

Details

Dimensions
Plate: 8.8 × 5.9 × 0.3 cm (3 7/16 × 2 5/16 × 1/8"); Support Plate: 9.4 × 19 × 0.3 cm (3 11/16 × 7 1/2 × 1/8")
License
CC0-1.0
Credit
National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution; Frederick Hill Meserve Collection

Art Genome Taxonomy

10 tags

Subject Matter

  • Individual Portrait Both · 99%

    The catalog identifies the work as a portrait of Phineas T. Barnum, and the image visibly presents one identified sitter in a posed seated portrait.

  • Eye Contact Visual · 91%

    The sitter looks directly toward the camera, creating a clear visual instance of direct gaze.

  • Interiors Both · 95%

    The catalog identifies an interior and furnishings, while the image shows the sitter in a furnished studio-like setting with a chair and peripheral objects.

  • Performing Arts Metadata · 86%

    The catalog’s subject hierarchy identifies Barnum as a performer and showman associated with the performing arts; the image itself does not depict a performance.

Medium and Techniques

  • Photography Both · 99%

    The object is cataloged as a photographic negative made by the glass plate collodion process, and the supplied image is visibly photographic.

  • The supplied representation is rendered entirely in grayscale.

Time Periods

  • 19th Century Art Metadata · 96%

    The catalog dates the object to approximately 1860–70, placing it in the nineteenth century.

Geographic Regions

  • American Art Metadata · 95%

    The catalog gives the place of origin as New York, United States.

Materials

  • Glass as Material Metadata · 99%

    The catalog specifies the medium as a glass plate collodion negative.

Furniture and Lighting

  • Chair Both · 99%

    An ornate carved and upholstered chair is prominent in the image, and the catalog specifically lists a chair among the furnishings.

Source & rights

Mathew Brady Studio, active 1844 - 1894. Phineas T. Barnum. National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution; Frederick Hill Meserve Collection.