self-portrait by Robert Cornelius
Is it weird to have a crush on a dead man? Meh. Maybe it is, maybe it isn’t. Okay, it probably is but I don’t really care. I came across the image of Robert and what began as intrigue soon gave rise to obsession. Please allow me to introduce you to…
MY GORGEOUS DEAD BOYFRIEND, ROBERT CORNELIUS
As it turns out he was a major innovator in photography (go figure – it’s fate). Born on March 1, 1809, he was a skilled metallurgist and chemist in Philadelphia. His skill was such that in 1839 photographer Joseph Saxton contacted him to produce a silver plate for use photographing Central High School in Philadelphia. With this collaboration Robert’s love affair with photography began.
Central High School – Philadelphia as photographed by Joseph Saxton, 1839.
Most photographers at the time believed that, due to the long exposure time that was required, the medium could not be used for portraiture. But my gorgeous dead boyfriend, Robby, was keen to prove them wrong. In October of 1839 in front of his shop (which was located between Market and Chestnut on 8th street) my dear Robert took one of the first portraits (and a self-portrait at that) ever.
His country estate, Lawndale, is now Wissinoming Park. The large home and 80 acres was even frequented by his family friend, Abraham Lincoln, on numerous occasions. Many of the 4000 rare and beautiful trees he planted have long since died due to neglect but the estate is still standing and serves as a clubhouse.
Lawndale estate
While working with chemist Paul Beck Goddard, they discovered that the photographic process accelerated when using bromide. This success led Robert to open the second commercial portrait studio in the United States.
Although successful, he sadly closed up shop in 1843 and shortly thereafter moved to Lawndale, his newly purchased country home. Robert Cornelius passed away in his home in 1893.
I gotta say, my gorgeous dead boyfriend, Robert Cornelius, is pretty badass. Yup. He’s totally swoon worthy.
Kisses & Chaos,
Alli Woods Frederick
IMAGES :: SELF PORTRAIT – ROBERT CORNELIUS :: CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL, PHILADELPHIA – JOSEPH SAXTON :: LAWNDALE ESTATE
