I’ve seen photos of real Victorian men, and mostly, they leave something to be desired (big bushy beards, greased back hair etc). But the picture below, shows they weren’t all ugly. In fact he is rather handsome.
To find out who he was (ok, his name was Robert Cornelius), and how amazing he was, follow this link to the Virtual Victorian blog:
I wonder what he would think if he knew he was all over the internet? I bet he would be delighted. He was obviously keen on the latest technology – and very easy on the eye as well.
An extraordinarily modern image for one from 1839. Did I read that right? Had no idea photography dated from then.
Gosh, he looks so contemporary! And rather dishy too.
Hee hee, he looks a bit like Andrew Buchan – grin!
Forgot to say Georgia, I believe photography didn’t really take off until the 1850’s, so yes, he is a pioneer!
How fascinating! One of the Cravens of (my!) Ashdown House was a pioneer of Victorian photography but alas he looks like your classic Victorian Dad in his self-portraits whilst Robert Cornelius is rather more dashing!