Eliphalet Adams Bulkeley
PhotographerPhotographed by
Augustus Washington
(American, 1820 - 1875)
SubjectPortrait of
Eliphalet Adams Bulkeley
(American, 1803 - 1872)
Dateabout 1850
MediumPhotography; daguerreotype on silvered copper plate in metal case with gilt mat and embossed red velvet pad
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (image height x width): 3 1/2 x 2 3/4in. (8.9 x 7cm)
Plate (height x width): 4 x 3in. (10.2 x 7.6cm)
Other (case height x width): 5 x 4 x 3/8in. (12.7 x 10.2 x 1cm)
ClassificationsGraphics
Credit LineConnecticut Museum of Culture and History collection
Object number1960.138.2
DescriptionHalf-length portrait of a seated man wearing a shirt, necktie, vest, and coat. His watch chain is visible, and he is holding a roll of paper in his hand.
Velvet pad has a scrollwork design.
Leather sides of case blind-stamped with a bouquet of flowers within a cartouche surrounded by strapwork.
Velvet pad has a scrollwork design.
Leather sides of case blind-stamped with a bouquet of flowers within a cartouche surrounded by strapwork.
Label TextThe African-American photographer Augustus Washington took many portraits of wealthy and prominent citizens. Eliphalet Bulkeley was the founder and president of the Aetna Insurance Company and was also active in state politics. Washington also made daguerreotype portraits of Bulkeley's wife Lydia and his son Charles.
NotesSubject Note: Eliphalet Bulkeley was born in Colchester, Connecticut on 20 January 1803. He married Lydia Smith Morgan on 31 January 1830. The couple had at least four children, Charles Edwin, Morgan Gardner, William Henry, and Mary (who later married Leverett Brainard). Bulkeley attended Yale College (1824), and studied law with William P. Williams in Lebanon, Connecticut. He practiced in East Haddam and became a prominent citizen. In 1847, he moved to Hartford (1847) where he had a large law practice. He represented Hartford in the Connecticut Legislature (1857) and was chosen Speaker of the House. Originally he identified as a Whig, but joined the Republicans upon their organization. In later years he was involved in the life insurance business. He helped organize and served as first president of the Connecticut Mutual Company. He also organized and served as president of the Aetna Life Insurance Company (1850). He stayed interested in Aetna and other corporations throughout his life. He died in Hartford on 13 February 1872.Status
Not on view
