09/01/2026
London, 1843...
One of the oldest portraits I've explored on this page, this daguerreotype is significant not only for its early position on the timeline of photography, but for the subject matter itself: it is understood to be the earliest image demonstrating a photographic portrait artist at his work. Adding to its remarkable nature is the rich level of detail from the unobstructed views of the daguerreotype camera itself, to the cuts of the gentleman's 1840s attire, the full length glimpses of not only each subject, but the entire backdrop and part of the studio.
To the left is Jabez Hogg-surgeon, journalist, microscopist, photographic artist. It would be criminal to omit the fact that Hogg wore those sideburns with ease and, certainly, great appeal. To the right, a Mr Johnson, the likeness of whom he sets about immortalising on a silver canvas. Hogg has his subject seated, posed formally, with a direct engagement toward the lens. Top hat placed on a cushion nearby his feet, and the moment is ready to commence. Hogg removes the lens cap, keeping it in his hand while in his other he keeps time on the exposure. All the while, the man behind the lens-the other lens-stands by doing the exact same thing. That gentleman was Richard Beard (a Blackfriars gent and coal merchant who commenced the first commercial and professional photographic studio in the UK, in March, 1841), whom we do not see, yet via this portrait, he leaves so much of his daguerreian mastery as a legacy.
This very portrait was taken at Beard's establishment in Parliament Street, Westminster. Hogg published a book, 'A Practical Manual of Photography' in 1843, in which I understand this very daguerreotype was used as a model for a wood cut illustration.
The current keepers of this portrait, The Science and Media Museum, purchased this image in 1983; prior to their acquisition, it was it the hands of a private collector, who the museum note paid nearly $11,000 (AUD).
These days, it would be hard to argue against it hitting almost priceless value. A significant and spectacular example of the early days of photography. WORDS: The Daguerreian Dandy-Photography of the 19th Century. Please do not steal my writing-instead, please share directly from my page.
