The oldest known photograph of a human is a daguerreotype taken in Paris, France, in 1838 by Louis Daguerre. This iconic image captures a Parisian street scene and features several figures, including a man cleaning his boots on the pavement.
This photograph holds immense historical significance as it represents the dawn of photography and its ability to capture human presence. While earlier photographic attempts existed, this image is recognized as the earliest surviving photograph depicting human figures.
The photograph, known as "Boulevard du Temple", was taken using the newly invented Daguerreotype process, a complex and time-consuming technique that involved exposing a silver-coated copper plate to light. It required long exposure times, which explains why most of the street scene appears empty except for the man who stood still long enough to be captured.
The photograph is currently housed in the Harry Ransom Center at the University of Texas at Austin, a testament to its historical and artistic value.
