Photograph: General Tom Thumb (Charles S. Stratton) as Napoleon
Unknown creator, American (created by)
Charles S. Stratton (General Tom Thumb)
Southworth, Mary (associated with)
Charles S. Stratton (General Tom Thumb)
Southworth, Mary (associated with)
1840s (Date manufactured/created)
3.75 in H
X
3.25 in W
Daguerreotype of Charles S. Stratton, known as General Tom Thumb, dressed as Napoleon. Stratton stands on top of a table with an urn on it, staring at the camera. The type is oval shape with gold edging around the oval. The image itself is housed in a brown case with a flourish on it. This daguerreotype was taken supposedly when Stratton was a child, but there is no date or creator associated with this image. If this was taken when Stratton was young, then the image likely dates to 1844-1850. If it was taken later on, perhaps when he was a teenager, then it dates between 1851-1857.
Daguerreotypes were the first photographs, and images were printed not on paper, but on silver plated copper. These images are housed in cases to hold the print together.
Charles S. Stratton (January 4, 1838- July 15, 1883), known as General Tom Thumb, was an entertainer and Bridgeport Conn. native who got his start with P.T. Barnum in 1842. Stratton's parents signed him with Barnum at age 4, as exhibiting those with dwarfism was lucrative at the time. Stratton took quickly to performing, and he entertained audiences worldwide, including nobility such as Queen Victoria. Stratton married fellow performer M. Lavinia Warren and the two had a happy marriage. Stratton's performances brought him renown as a celebrity, perhaps one of the biggest at the time, and he and Warren were able to live comfortably when not working. On 15 July 1883, Stratton suffered a stroke and passed away. He is buried at Mountain Grove Cemetery in Bridgeport, Connecticut, with his wife beside him.
Daguerreotypes were the first photographs, and images were printed not on paper, but on silver plated copper. These images are housed in cases to hold the print together.
Charles S. Stratton (January 4, 1838- July 15, 1883), known as General Tom Thumb, was an entertainer and Bridgeport Conn. native who got his start with P.T. Barnum in 1842. Stratton's parents signed him with Barnum at age 4, as exhibiting those with dwarfism was lucrative at the time. Stratton took quickly to performing, and he entertained audiences worldwide, including nobility such as Queen Victoria. Stratton married fellow performer M. Lavinia Warren and the two had a happy marriage. Stratton's performances brought him renown as a celebrity, perhaps one of the biggest at the time, and he and Warren were able to live comfortably when not working. On 15 July 1883, Stratton suffered a stroke and passed away. He is buried at Mountain Grove Cemetery in Bridgeport, Connecticut, with his wife beside him.
1943.003.001