Portrait of a Shoeshine Boy

c. 1887

William R. Loder

Associated Names
William R. Loder

Artist, American, 1851 - 1890

The image depicts a young individual seated, capturing their full body in the portrait. They are sitting on a small wooden block with one leg crossed over the other. The person has short, curly hair and distinct facial features, looking directly at the camera with a neutral expression. They are wearing a light-colored shirt with a bow tie and knee-length plaid shorts, paired with knee-high socks and lace-up boots. In their lap, they hold a shoe and a brush, suggesting they might be polishing it. On the floor in front of them, there is a small can, a second brush, and another item related to shoe care. The background features a painted backdrop with foliage and greenery, providing a vintage studio setting.

Media Options

This object’s media is free and in the public domain. Read our full Open Access policy for images.

Artwork overview

  • Medium

    albumen silver print (cabinet card)

  • Credit Line

    The Ross J. Kelbaugh Collection

  • Dimensions

    image/sheet: 13.7 × 9.9 cm (5 3/8 × 3 7/8 in.)
    mount: 16.4 × 10.6 cm (6 7/16 × 4 3/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2023.146.87


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Ross Kelbaugh, Marriottsville, MD; gift to NGA, 2023.

Associated Names

Inscriptions

lower center on mount printed in gold: LODER; lower right: 773 BROAD ST. / NEW YORK, N.Y.; on verso, by Ross Kelbaugh, upper right in graphite: C / 12RL / KL070


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