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
George Armstrong Custer At West Point (1859)
This youthful likeness of George Armstrong Custer was captured long before his hairy prominence rose to infamy. Here we have a young Custer at West Point during his cadet days. Despite having ranked last during his graduation, he would become a central if not controversial figure during the Civil War as a reckless cavalry officer. Custer was well known for being dramatic, earning his name as a mortal enemy of local Indian populations, most of which were relatively harmless. In 1864, Custer was responsible for the Sand Creek Massacre, where he led the charge against terrified innocents. The fallen would have their revenge, however, as in 1876, he was calamitously routed at the Battle of the Little Big Horn.
George Armstrong Custer At West Point
