Frederick DeBourg Richards

American, 1822 - 1903

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This is a photograph of a neoclassical building with columns and a pediment. The building features a façade with columns supporting a triangular pediment, adorned with a sculptural relief depicting a classical figure with a shield and a chariot. Below the pediment are rectangular windows, and beneath them is a balcony with a balustrade railing. A lamp post can be seen near the entrance, with steps leading up to several doorways. Signs indicate it is likely a public venue, possibly a theater, given the poster advertising performances. The photograph is in sepia tone, giving it a historic quality.
Frederick DeBourg Richards, Arch St. Theatre, Arch at 6th St., Philadelphia, c. 1859, salted paper print, Gift of Charles Isaacs and Carol Nigro Ph.D, 2018.23.22

Arch St. Theatre, Arch at 6th St., Philadelphia

Frederick DeBourg Richards · c. 1859 · salted paper print ·  Accession ID  2018.23.22

This is a photograph of an urban street scene with several multi-story buildings. The image captures a row of buildings with various businesses on their ground floors, identifiable by signs on the facades. The architecture features numerous windows, many of which have shutters. The second building displays signs reading 'McAllister & Co.' with items visible through the windows and signs advertising services such as 'CARD & JOB PRINTING'. The scene is devoid of human figures but suggests activity through the open shutters and displayed store signs. The photograph is presented in an elegant frame.
Frederick DeBourg Richards, McAllister's Optical Shop, Philadelphia, December 12, 1854, daguerreotype, Gift of Charles Isaacs and Carol Nigro Ph.D, 2017.191.4

McAllister's Optical Shop, Philadelphia

Frederick DeBourg Richards · December 12, 1854 · daguerreotype ·  Accession ID  2017.191.4

The image displays a woman in a portrait from the waist up. She is seated and turned slightly to her left, looking towards her right. She has a calm expression, dark hair styled in an updo with adornments on both sides, wearing a dark formal dress with lace details and a high collar. She holds an item in her right hand. The background is dark, and the portrait is in an ornate frame with a gold inner border.
Frederick DeBourg Richards, Portrait of a Woman, c. 1850, daguerreotype with applied color, Gift of Mary and Dan Solomon, 2025.12.2

Portrait of a Woman

Frederick DeBourg Richards · c. 1850 · daguerreotype with applied color ·  Accession ID  2025.12.2