Portrait of an Elderly Gentleman
Photograph
This is a sepia-toned photographic portrait of an elderly man, likely from the late 19th or early 20th century. The subject wears a dark suit, white shirt, and tie, with round-rimmed glasses. His expression is serious and dignified, and his bald head and slight wrinkles suggest advanced age. The portrait has a soft vignette effect, commonly used in early photographic prints to create a refined and professional appearance. The edges of the print are slightly worn, with visible creases and discoloration, indicating age and handling over time.
This style of formal photographic portraiture was widely used in African American professional and social circles during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The subject’s attire and presentation suggest he was a figure of importance or prominence, possibly an educator, inventor, or leader in his community. The use of sepia tone and soft focus was a common aesthetic in cabinet card photographs or printed memorial images of respected individuals.
Latimer Family Papers (1870-1996 ) [QPL Full Collection]