Frederick Douglas (c. 1847 – 1852)
After successfully free himself, Frederick Douglas (1818 – 1895) would go on to become an essential abolitionist and a progenitor of social justice in Maryland. Samuel J. Miller created this daguerreotype between 1847 and 1852 in Akron, Ohio. As described by the Art Institute of Chicago, Northeastern Ohio became a hub of abolitionist efforts even before the Civil War. Douglass was assured that by spreading his likeness through many similar commissions to this one, that his counterparts would be inspired in their efforts to banish slavery. Douglass masterfully championed this public image campaign alongside Miller, who successfully captured his raw emotion and powerful presence. Elizabeth Cady Stanton, a feminist from the 1800s, praised this picture for exuding his immense charisma.
Frederick Douglas
