Exploring 19th Century Smiling and Laughing Portrait Photographs

While 19th-century portrait photography is often associated with formal and serious poses, there are examples of subjects who smiled or even laughed during their portrait sessions. This rarity offers a fascinating glimpse into the attitudes towards modernity and the shift in societal norms over time.

Smiling Portraits in the Early 19th Century

Exposure times in early photography were lengthy, requiring extended periods of stillness from the subject. However, technological advancements gradually made it possible for more candid and relaxed expressions to capture the essence of the sitter without compromising the image.

Notable Examples of Smiling Portraits

Early Portraits

Some daguerreotypes and ambrotypes from the mid-19th century showcase subjects with slight smiles or relaxed expressions. These early photographic techniques, though rudimentary, allowed for a more natural depiction of the subjects beyond the typical stiff poses.

Group Photographs

Group portraits, especially in informal settings, often feature individuals with more natural expressions. The social dynamics and relationships within the group sometimes allowed for more spontaneous and relaxed poses.

Late 19th Century

By the late 1800s, as photography became more accessible and less formal, smiling and laughing in portraits became more common. This shift reflects a changing societal attitude towards portraiture and the modern individual.

Famous Figures

Notable individuals like Mark Twain were captured in photographs smiling or laughing, reflecting a shift in societal norms around portraiture. These instances provide a rare window into the personalities of historical figures who lived so long ago.

Challenges of Early Photography

Smiling in a portrait was discouraged for two primary reasons. Firstly, social standards of the time considered smiling to be unclassy. Photographs were held to high artistic and social standards, so subjects were encouraged to appear completely serious.

Secondly, the lengthy exposure times for daguerrotypes and similar processes required subjects to remain perfectly still for 15-20 minutes. Any small movement, including changes in facial expression, could distort or ruin the photograph.

Examples of Defiant Smiling

William H. Chapman and Moses Merril (1847)

Despite the social and technical challenges, William H. Chapman’s smile stands out in a daguerreotype taken with Moses Merril. Both were captains in the Mexican-American War. Chapman’s casual and happy demeanor contrasts with Merril’s more expressionless pose, illustrating the difficulty of maintaining a smile for an extended period.

French Artists (1847)

A group photograph of French artists in 1847 includes Alexandre Desgoffe, Hippolyte Flandrin, Auguste Clesinger, and Auguste Mestrel. Alexandre’s smile or laugh is clearly visible, suggesting a more relaxed and candid moment captured by the photographer.

Young Man in a Boxing Position (1860)

A young man posing in a boxing position with a big smile further illustrates the exceptions to the rule. These candid moments provide insight into the personalities of individuals who lived in the past, challenging the notion of historical figures as always stoic and serious.

Conclusion

Smiling and laughing in 19th-century portraits, though rare, offer a unique perspective on the evolution of portraiture and the changing attitudes towards modernity. These candid moments provide a glimpse into the human side of individuals who lived long ago, reflecting their fun and humorous nature despite the sociocultural expectations of the time.

By examining these photographs, we can connect with the past on a more personal level, seeing the individuals as real people with complex personalities and emotions rather than merely historical figures. This can foster a greater appreciation and understanding of the evolution of photography and society over time.