Photograph: Glass negative of P. T. Barnum, attributed to Mathew Brady studio

From Barnum Museum

Mathew Brady (attributed to)

1870 – 1875 (Date manufactured/created)

glass

6.5 inches H X 8.5 inches W

Glass negative with two photographic portraits of P. T. Barnum, attributed to Mathew Brady or his studio. A double lens camera was used, which very slightly off-sets image capture.  The two views could then be printed to be made into stereoview cards.  Stereoviews make images appear lifelike and three-dimensional.  The photograph was probably taken about 1870 or so, when Barnum was in his sixties.  Barnum appears as an older man, though not elderly.  There are several other portrait photographs of Barnum done by Mathew Brady or his studio, but no extant print from this particular negative has been found.  Two positive prints were made from the negative by the previous owner, who was a professional photographer, and the positives reveal the clarity and detail that is difficult to see in the negative.

Museum Purchase

Accession/ID Number 2020.001.001 AC