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Art Institute of Chicago

Spotted

John P. Soule — Charles Sumner, from the series "Skeleton Leaves"

John P. Soule

Charles Sumner, from the series "Skeleton Leaves"

1874

Senator Sumner's portrait, etched onto the delicate framework of a skeleton leaf, exemplifies the Victorian era's fascination with merging art, science, and politics. The translucent quality of the leaf creates an otherworldly effect that seems to embody the subject's moral authority.

Medium
Albumen print, stereo

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Spotted works by John P. Soule

About this work

John P. Soule, Charles Sumner, from the series "Skeleton Leaves", 1874

Senator Sumner's portrait, etched onto the delicate framework of a skeleton leaf, exemplifies the Victorian era's fascination with merging art, science, and politics. The translucent quality of the leaf creates an otherworldly effect that seems to embody the subject's moral authority.

Medium
Albumen print, stereo
Year
1874
Seen at
Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago, IL

Related themes

Monochrome, Albumen Print, Documentary, 19th Century, American, Photograph, Historical, Portrait, Male, Stereoview

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Collected by

Art Institute of Chicago