John J. SmithSmith, Hamilton SuttonNone

  • Art movementVictorian Era Photography
  • MuseumMuseum of African American History

Smith, Hamilton Sutton (1857 – 1924)

Hamilton Sutton Smith (1857-1924) was an American photographer renowned for his Washington, D.C. images & family portraits. Explore his work capturing history and local life.

Museum of African American History (Boston, United States of America)

Discover Boston’s rich African American heritage at the Museum of African American History! Explore abolitionism, 19th-century life & local stories through immersive exhibits. A vital cultural and educational resource.

John J. Smith (1820-1906), born free in Richmond, Virginia, moved to Boston in 1848, joined the antislavery movement, and opened a barbershop. His business became a gathering place for self-liberated people and abolitionists including Charles Sumner, William Lloyd Garrison, and Lewis Hayden. During the Civil War, Smith worked as a recruiter for the 5th Cavalry in Washington, DC. Smith returned to Boston after the Civil War. Elected first in 1863, he served three terms in the Massachusetts Legislature and was elected to the Boston Common Council. Smith also helped other blacks attain elected and appointed government positions.

About this artwork

  • Title: John J. Smith
  • Artist: Smith, Hamilton Sutton
  • Format: Portrait
  • Copyright status: Public domain
  • Where to see it: Museum of African American History
  • Corpus context: victorian formality & dignity, american history
  • Main color: Phthalo Green
  • Keywords: john j smith portrait, historical portrait, victorian portrait
  • Color hue: Green to Violet Spectrum
  • Perceived brightness: deep_shadow

Questions & Answers

How does the style of "John J. Smith" relate to its creator's era?

In "John J. Smith" by Smith, Hamilton Sutton, the Victorian Era Photography movement meets the 19th-Century era.

Is "John J. Smith" by Smith, Hamilton Sutton a bright or a dark artwork?

Overall, "John J. Smith" is recorded as deep_shadow. Perceived brightness describes how light or dark the work appears.

Which artist is "John J. Smith" attributed to?

"John J. Smith" was created by Smith, Hamilton Sutton. The information on this page describes Smith, Hamilton Sutton's original work.

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