Portrait of Smiling Boy, Gelatin Silver Print, 1950s

This charming portrait captures a young boy with a joyful smile, dressed in a collared shirt typical of mid-20th century fashion. The photograph is a gelatin silver print, a popular photographic technique during the 1950s, known for its rich tonal range and clarity. The composition focuses closely on the boy's face, highlighting his youthful features and bright expression.

The photograph measures approximately 3.5 x 5 inches and shows signs of age with slight creasing and edge wear, typical of vernacular photographs from this era. The back of the photograph is blank, with no inscriptions or stamps, suggesting it may have been a personal keepsake or family portrait. This photograph captures the essence of post-war optimism and the everyday life of children during this period. Vernacular images like this provide invaluable insights into social history, documenting the fashions and familial bonds of the time.