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Nathaniel Olds by Jeptha Wade

Jeptha Wade · 1837-01-01

This striking portrait of Nathaniel Olds, painted in 1837 by Jeptha Wade, reveals a fascinating connection to early photography. Wade, a significant American industrialist and a co-founder of Western Union, was also a pioneer in daguerreotypy, an early photographic process.

The most distinctive feature of the painting is Olds's green-tinted glasses. While they appear to be spectacles, the green lenses were actually a common element in early photographic cameras. Wade’s background as a daguerreotypist suggests that Olds might not be wearing glasses in the traditional sense, but rather looking through a lens, perhaps implying a connection to optical devices or even a playful nod to Wade's other profession.

This oil painting, part of the American folk art movement, is held in The Cleveland Museum of Art. It captures the direct, unsentimental style characteristic of the period, emphasizing the sitter's identity rather than elaborate narrative.

What do you think Olds is looking at through his green lens?

Details

His painter, Jeptha Wade, later co-founded Western Union.
His painter, Jeptha Wade, later co-founded Western Union.
Notice the unusual green-tinted glasses.
Notice the unusual green-tinted glasses.
Wade was also a pioneer of early photography, a daguerreotypist.
Wade was also a pioneer of early photography, a daguerreotypist.
The vibrant red of the chair provides a bold splash of color and suggests comfort or status.
The vibrant red of the chair provides a bold splash of color and suggests comfort or status.
The stark white of the ruff contrasts with his dark attire, drawing attention to his face and neck.
The stark white of the ruff contrasts with his dark attire, drawing attention to his face and neck.
Transcript

This is Nathaniel Olds, painted in 1837. His painter, Jeptha Wade, later co-founded Western Union. Notice the unusual green-tinted glasses. Wade was also a pioneer of early photography, a daguerreotypist. Green lenses were a common feature of early cameras. He is not wearing glasses, he is looking through a lens.