Daguerreotype self-portrait of Henry Fitz Jr.

Fitz, Henry Jr. · 1839-11

This self-portrait of early American photographer and optician Henry Fitz, Jr.(1808-1863) is a ninth plate daguerreotype said to have been made in a five minute exposure in bright light. Fitz took this image as early as the fall of 1839 giving it the distinction of being the first self-portrait taken in the United States. Fitz prepared the copper plate used for the daguerreotype in his workshop using a hammer on a polished anvil, and sealed it in a brass frame.