John Cheney (1801 - 1885)
SubjectPortrait of
John Cheney
American, 1801 - 1885
PhotographerPhotographed by
Unknown
Date1836 - 1846
MediumPhotography; black and white photograph on paper
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (height x width): 7 1/16 × 5 1/16in. (17.9 × 12.9cm)
ClassificationsGraphics
Credit LineGift of Horace Learned and Mrs. Frank W. Crocker
DescriptionPhotograph of a negative showing a daguerreotype, bust-length portrait of John Cheney. He is angled to the left. John has a full beard and moustache. The frame of the daguerreotype has an alternating basket weave and scrollwork pattern. Pieces of it are missing near the bottom corners. The glass or glaze covering the portrait is cloudy and chipped in several areas, especially near the bottom, making the image difficult to see. The daguerreotype is lying on a woven material. The edge of the plastic negative with a "v" shaped notch can be seen at the bottom of the image.
Object number1979.25.27
MarkingsEngraved upside down on bottom edge of negative: "AGEA NITRATE FILM"InscribedHandwritten in pencil on verso: "5"Handwritten in black ink on verso: "John Cheney / from old daguareotype"
Handwritten in pencil on verso: "H. B. C. / Paul.?"NotesDate note: Date given is for year the daguerreotype image was taken, not the photograph. Estimate is based on life dates and approximate age of subject in image. Date of photograph is unknown.
John Cheney was the son of George Cheney and Electa Woodbridge. He was an accomplished artist and engraver. Several of his brothers founded the Cheney Brothers silk business.
On View
Not on view
John Rogers Jerome
