Artwork

Standing boy with bottle curls

Standing boy with bottle curls, by Unknown, 1854
Standing boy with bottle curls, by Unknown, 1854

Standing boy with bottle curls is a photography by the Romanticist artist Unknown. It dates from 1854 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Standing boy with bottle curls is an early photograph from the 1850s, depicting a neatly dressed young boy in a stiff pose, characteristic of the era's photographic conventions, set against a plain background within an ornately framed image.

Subject & Meaning

The subject, a young boy, is portrayed in everyday attire, holding a folded cloth, with his hair styled in 'bottle curls'. The image captures a mundane, intimate moment, aligning with the Romantic emphasis on ordinary life and emotional sincerity.

Technique & Style

The photograph exhibits traits of early camera technology, with a plain background and a stiff pose, typical of the period due to long exposure times. The ornate frame, featuring gold and red details, contrasts with the simplicity of the subject's setting.

History & Provenance

Dating to the 1850s, the photograph is a product of the nascent stages of photography. Specific provenance details are not provided, but its style and technical aspects place it firmly within the early photographic practices of the time.

Context

Created during the Romantic era, the photograph's focus on a everyday life scene and the emotional potential of a simple, personal moment reflects broader artistic trends of the period, which valued the beauty in ordinary subjects.

Artist & collection

Artist

Unknown

entity whose identity is not known

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.