Henry Anderson
- Artist: Camille Silvy
- Date: 1862
- Medium: albumen print
- Dimensions: Purchased, 1904
- Museum: The National Portrait Gallery
- Collection record: The National Portrait Gallery website
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About this artwork
This albumen print of Henry Anderson, taken by Camille Silvy on July 24 1862, shows him seated with a thoughtful expression. The delicate lines capture his face and the texture of his clothes. Notice the subtle shading around his eyes – Silvy’s skill in using paper tones gives depth without color. Albumen prints were popular in the mid‑19th century for their crisp detail and matte finish. Silvy produced over 1 400 portraits, often of notable figures. In this image he wears a simple collar, suggesting modesty. The print hangs here on the gallery wall, framed in simple white, and was acquired by the National Portrait Gallery in 1904.
See it in person
Henry Anderson is in the collection of The National Portrait Gallery at St Martin's Place, London — free to enter. Point your phone at any artwork there and audioguide.london plays a free audio guide in six languages — no app download needed.
