Robert Cornelius' Daguerreotype: The First "Selfie" in History in 1839

Photography has come a long way since its invention, and one of its first major achievements came in 1839 with a portrait captured by Robert Cornelius , an American inventor and photographer. What makes this image so remarkable is that it is considered the first “selfie” in history, taken using a daguerreotype as part of a pioneering experiment in photography. This shot not only marked the beginning of the photographic self-portrait, but it also ushered in a new era in the way people represented themselves visually.

Who was Robert Cornelius?

Robert Cornelius (1809–1893) was an inventor with a passion for chemistry and photography. Born in Philadelphia, he grew up in a family that owned a metalworking business, which gave him access to materials and tools that would aid his early photographic experiments. Inspired by European innovations in photography, Cornelius soon became interested in the daguerreotype , a technique developed by Louis Daguerre .

The First Selfie: A Revolutionary Photo

1. The Daguerreotype Technique

The daguerreotype was a revolutionary photographic process of the time. It involved exposing a copper plate coated with sensitized silver in a camera obscura and then developing it using mercury vapor. Cornelius' process used this method to capture his image in 1839 .

2. A Determining Pose

Cornelius, fascinated by the new technologies of photography, decided to test the technique himself. Positioning his camera in the backyard of his family's store in Philadelphia, he took a self-portrait. To take the photo, he removed the lens cap, ran to position himself, and waited about 10 to 15 minutes for the image to set.

3. The First Selfie in History

The result of this experiment was a self-portrait in which Cornelius poses with his arms crossed, looking directly at the camera. This portrait is considered today to be the first "selfie" in history, although the term did not appear until decades later. This daguerreotype is an image of surprising clarity for its time, marking a key moment in the evolution of visual self-representation.

The Impact of the First Selfie

1. A New Way of Representing Yourself

The photographic self-portrait radically changed the way people represented themselves. Before the advent of photography, portraits were reserved for painting, an expensive and time-consuming art. Cornelius' daguerreotype allowed a democratization of the personal image, paving the way for the modern self-portrait.

2. The Evolution of the Selfie

Although photography was still in its experimental phase in 1839, this image laid the foundation for a practice that is now ubiquitous with the selfies we take daily with our smartphones. In 1839, Cornelius probably didn't know that he was capturing what would become a global trend more than 170 years later.

Conclusion

In 1839, Robert Cornelius immortalized not only his own face, but also a pivotal moment in the history of photography: the birth of the photographic self-portrait. This first “selfie” remains a testament to the creative and technological potential of photography in its early days. Today, we continue to capture our own images instantly, thanks in large part to pioneers like Cornelius.

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FAQs

Who took the first selfie in history?
The first selfie in history was taken in 1839 by Robert Cornelius, an American inventor, using a daguerreotype.

Why is this selfie important in the history of photography?
This selfie is significant because it marks the first time a self-portrait was captured by a camera, paving the way for the evolution of the photographic self-portrait.

How long did it take to capture this selfie?
The exposure time required to capture this image was approximately 10 to 15 minutes, due to the slowness of the daguerreotype process.

Where can I find historical or inspiring photo posters?
To discover a selection of unique photo posters, visit La Boutique du Poster .