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Image Licensing : Henrietta Darwin K990862
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Henrietta Darwin K990862
DOWN HOUSE, Kent. Daguerreotype photograph of Henrietta Darwin. Although labelled as 1861 the photograph was taken in 1851 when Henrietta was in mourning for her sister Annie, which is why she is wearing black. Historic England is the public body that champions and protects England's historic places. © Historic England
Media ID 701399
Filename: K990862.jpg
Size: 4090 x 4949 (23.4MB)
Date: 5th March 2008
Source: Historic England
Credit: Historic England Photo Library
Source: 794235
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> Fame > Charles Darwin and Down House
> Historic Images > The Victorian Age > 1850s - 1860s
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This poignant daguerreotype photograph captures Henrietta Darwin, the eldest daughter of Charles and Emma Darwin, in her childhood years at Down House in Kent during the Victorian era. The image, taken in 1851, is labeled as 1861 in Historic England's Photo Library, but this discrepancy can be explained by the fact that Henrietta is depicted in mourning attire, wearing black in memory of her younger sister Annie, who tragically passed away in 1851 at the age of 17. The photograph provides a rare glimpse into the private life of the Darwin family, offering a poignant reminder of the emotional depth and complexity that lies beneath the scientific achievements and intellectual pursuits of this renowned family. Down House, the family home in Kent, was a place of great significance for the Darwins, serving as the backdrop for many of their most formative experiences. In this photograph, Henrietta's expression conveys a sense of melancholy and introspection, reflecting the profound impact of her sister's loss on her young life. The intricately detailed image, with its rich tonal range and delicate textures, offers a glimpse into the past, transporting us back to a time when the world was just beginning to grapple with the groundbreaking ideas that would come to define the Darwin legacy. This photograph, preserved in the Historic England Photo Library, is a testament to the enduring power of visual storytelling and the ability of a single image to evoke emotions and transport us to another time and place.
