Portrait of James Canby (1781-1858)

Date1842-1850

Photographer W. & F. Langenheim (firm active 1842-1874)

OriginAmerica, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia

MediumA daguerreotype in a leather-covered, velvet-lined case having brass fittings

DimensionsOther (closed case exterior): 5 7/8 x 4 11/16 x 3/4in. (14.9 x 11.9 x 1.9cm)

Credit LineGift of Beatrix T. Rumford

Object number2009-169

DescriptionA half-plate daguerreotype of of a seated, elderly man, shown half-length. The image is enclosed in a leather-covered, velvet-lined case having brass fittings.
MarkingsA typed label adhered to the case's velvet lining reads: "James Canby."

Stamped on the case's velvet liner is: "W. & F. LANGENHEIM/PHILADELPHIA/EXCHANGE".
ProvenanceDescended in the family of the subject to CWF's donor. The exact line of descent is undocumented but may have been: from the subject to his son, Samuel Canby (1811-1875); to his daughter, Mrs. Charles Grubb Rumford (Elizabeth Morris Canby)(1848-1936); to her son, Samuel Canby Rumford (1876-1950); to his son, Lewis Rumford II (d. 1997); to his daughter, Beatrix Tyson Rumford, who was CWF's donor.