The Museum's recent acquisition of a rare daguerreotype of abolitionist John Brown is now on view in the Bloch Building.
The work is one of only six known daguerreotypes taken of Brown and is possibly the earliest, ca. 1846-1847. Portrait of John Brown is a powerful and memorable portrait of the abolitionist. It speaks volumes about his conviction and forceful character; he looks unflinchingly into the camera; he is confident and sure of himself.
Brown was a fervent abolitionist whose violent acts against slavey ignited the nation, propelling it toward the American Civil War. Outraged by the violence of pro-slavery forces, he and his followers carried out an ill-fated raid on the federal arsenal at Harpers Ferry, Virginia, that resulted in Brown being tried for treason and murder. He was hanged in public on Dec. 2, 1859.