The Earliest-Known Photograph of a U.S. President: John Quincy Adams
A Historical Daguerreotype
In 2018, the National Portrait Gallery unveiled the oldest known photograph of a U.S. president, an 1843 daguerreotype of John Quincy Adams. This remarkable image captures a pivotal moment in both photography and American history.
Acquisition and Significance
The Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery acquired the March 1843 daguerreotype of President John Quincy Adams for its permanent collection. This invaluable document showcases a significant chapter in the history of photography and American politics.
John Quincy Adams: Statesman and Abolitionist
More than a decade after his presidency, Adams sat for this portrait while serving as a Massachusetts congressman. Amidst the escalating tensions leading up to the Civil War, Adams used his platform to wage a solitary battle against the institution of slavery.
The Daguerreotype Process
Photography was a relatively new medium when Adams had his portrait taken. The daguerreotype process, which exposed images on silver-coated plates, was on the cutting edge of technology for its time. Similar to President Barack Obama’s 3D-printed portrait in 2014, Adams’ daguerreotype represented the latest advancements in image-making.
Horace Everett: Recipient and Kinsman
Adams gifted the March 1843 daguerreotype to his friend and ally in Congress, Vermont Representative Horace Everett. On the paper backing, Adams inscribed a note acknowledging Everett as his “kinsman.” The photograph remained in Everett’s family for generations.
Rediscovery and Significance
In the 1990s, a great-great-grandson of Everett rediscovered the image. Through online research, he realized the significance of this family heirloom. The daguerreotype confirmed Adams’ pioneering role in the history of presidential photography.
John Quincy Adams and William Henry Harrison
While this photograph is the oldest surviving image of a U.S. president, it was not the first photo ever taken of a commander-in-chief. That honor belongs to President William Henry Harrison, whose daguerreotype was taken at the start of his brief term in office. However, only an 1850 copy of that daguerreotype exists today, housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Auction and Estimated Value
The John Quincy Adams daguerreotype was auctioned alongside other notable images from the 19th and 20th centuries. Sotheby’s estimated its value at $150,000 to $250,000. The proceeds were earmarked for the National Portrait Gallery’s acquisition fund.
The Americans: Robert Frank’s Iconic Work
Among the other auctioned images was a signed print of photographer Robert Frank’s iconic shot of a segregated New Orleans trolley. This image served as the cover for his influential 1958 book, “The Americans.” Frank’s work captured the complexities of American society, highlighting issues of race and inequality.
Legacy and Impact
The daguerreotype of John Quincy Adams remains an enduring symbol of his dedication to abolishing slavery and his pioneering spirit in embracing new technologies. It offers a glimpse into the early days of photography and the evolving role of presidents in shaping American history.