On This Day, December 18, 1839, a significant moment in the history of photography occurred when John William Draper took the first portrait photograph of a female face in the United States. This event marked a pivotal point in the early development of photographic art and science.
John William Draper, a scientist and a professor at New York University, was an early pioneer in photography. His subject is believed to be his sister, Dorothy Catherine Draper*. The photograph was a daguerreotype, a process that involved a silvered copper plate treated with chemicals to create a direct positive image. This method, although labor-intensive and requiring long exposure times, was revolutionary for its era.
Draper’s achievement not only contributed to the advancement of photographic techniques but also opened the door to portrait photography becoming a popular and accessible form of art. This event is emblematic of the rapid technological and artistic developments of the 19th century, foreshadowing the immense impact photography would have on society and culture.
*Note: First image of John is Ai generated. Second is a copy of an image of his sister Dorothy Catherine Draper. It is believed to be the oldest surviving image from that time, but may not be the first image John Draper took. Image source Wikipedia.
