All Of It: Local Art Alert – Early Photography at The Met

Episode Release Date: July 3, 2025
Host: Alison Stewart
Guest: Jeff Rosenheim, Curator of "New American Photography 1839-1910" at The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Introduction and Series Overview

In this episode of All Of It, hosted by Alison Stewart, the focus shifts to the rich history of early American photography showcased at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Celebrating the culmination of their 100 Pieces of Art series, WNYC brings together insights from experts on must-see artworks across New York City. Alison invites listeners to explore the full list of 100 art pieces and engage with the community through their Art100 website and Instagram page.

The Metropolitan Museum Exhibit: "New American Photography 1839-1910"

Alison Stewart introduces the centerpiece of the episode: the "New American Photography 1839-1910" exhibit at The Met. This exhibition features over 250 photographs, many of which have never been publicly displayed before. The show opened in April and will run until July 20th.

Jeff Rosenheim, the curator, shares his approach to selecting photographs for the exhibit:

“I think I just followed my eye and my heart. These are pictures that left the studios from the beginning of photography and went into the hands of the sitters, and they've been moving through space ever since then.”
(02:16)

Rosenheim highlights the serendipitous acquisition of these photographs by a Connecticut collector over the past five decades, emphasizing the timing of the exhibit's launch just before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Historical Photography Formats: Daguerreotypes, Ambrotypes, and Tintypes

The conversation delves into the technical aspects of early photography. Alison asks Rosenheim to explain the differences between daguerreotypes, ambrotypes, and tintypes.

Rosenheim provides a comprehensive overview:

“Louis Daguerre invented photography in France in the early 1830s... a daguerreotype is simply a picture made using Daguerre's process. It's a sheet of copper with a silver surface on it... Oliver Wendell Holmes called it a mirror with a memory.”
(03:16)

He continues to describe ambrotypes and tintypes, clarifying:

“Tintypes were invented in the U.S. and are actually silver images on iron sheets, also called ferrotypes. There's no enlarging, similar to Polaroids.”
(03:37)

Notable Photographs in the Exhibit

Man with Chicken

Alison brings up a unique photograph titled "Guy with Chicken". Rosenheim explains:

“It's an occupational portrait of a young man with freckles... he chose to photograph himself with his favorite rooster. It showcases the bond between man and his barnyard animal.”
(08:35)

This daguerreotype, made around 1855, captures the gentleman's relationship with his pet chicken, highlighting personal and cultural connections of the era.

African American Woman with a Beautiful Hat

Another striking image features an African American woman adorned with a tignon (a headscarf):

“Free women of color in Louisiana had to wrap their hair to distinguish themselves from enslaved women. They transformed this punitive measure into a beautiful fashion statement.”
(09:53)

This hand-colored daguerreotype not only serves as a portrait but also as a commentary on societal norms and resilience.

Alice Austin: A Pioneering Female Photographer

The exhibit honors Alice Austin, a Staten Island native who documented her community and personal life extensively. Rosenheim praises her work:

“Alice Austin took thousands of pictures of her friends, family, and landscapes. Her photograph of Lake Mahopac captures a serene summer day, reflecting her deep connection to her surroundings.”
(11:54)

Despite her prolific contributions, Austin remains underrecognized, with her work recently being collected by the Staten Island Historical Society and featured in an upcoming publication.

Squirrel Photographs

Alison and Rosenheim discuss photographs featuring squirrels, revealing the quirky aspects of early photography:

“People kept pet squirrels in the 19th century. The photograph of the man with the squirrel on his shoulder showcases this unusual pet choice.”
(14:37)

Rosenheim remarks on the challenges and charm of photographing such subjects:

“Photographing wild animals like squirrels was no easy task, especially with the long exposure times required.”
(14:45)

The Role of Photography in Society

Photography and Abolitionism

The exhibit includes powerful images documenting the horrors of slavery, serving as potent abolitionist propaganda. A notable photograph shows an escaped enslaved man with a scarred back:

“This individual wanted to fight for freedom and ended up having his back scarred, symbolizing the brutality of slavery. His photograph was widely circulated to garner support for the Union cause.”
(07:16)

Accessibility through Tintypes

Rosenheim emphasizes the democratizing nature of tintypes:

“Tintypes were inexpensive and accessible, allowing more individuals to have their likeness captured. Unlike other formats, tintypes didn’t require negatives, making them more equitable.”
(16:02)

This accessibility meant that a broader cross-section of society could participate in and benefit from the burgeoning medium of photography.

Continued Love for Pet Photography

The enduring trend of photographing pets is also discussed:

“People have always loved their animals, and photography has been a means to capture these beloved companions. In the exhibit, there are numerous pet portraits, particularly of dogs.”
(14:07)

Rosenheim notes the absence of cats in the exhibit, humorously attributing it to their elusive nature during long exposure times.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

As the conversation wraps up, Rosenheim invites visitors to spend additional time appreciating the tintypes and early photographic techniques showcased in the exhibit:

“Tintypes offer a unique poetic and visual language that’s often overlooked in fine art museums. They provide insights into everyday lives that other formats don’t capture.”
(16:06)

Alison encourages listeners to visit the exhibit before its closing on July 20th and to explore the full 100 Pieces of Art series for a deeper appreciation of New York City's cultural landscape.

Production Credits: Andrea Duncan Mao, Kate Hines, Jordan Loff, Simon Close, El Malik Anderson, and Luke Green.
Additional Acknowledgments: Bonnie Yochelson, Staten Island Historical Society, and the upcoming publication on Alice Austin.

Stay Connected: For more details on the 100 art pieces and to access supplementary materials, visit wnyc.org/art100 and follow WNYC on Instagram at @WNYC.

This summary is intended for those who have not listened to the episode, providing a comprehensive overview of the discussions and insights shared between Alison Stewart and Jeff Rosenheim.