In the 21st century it is easy to take for granted the ease with which we can capture images of ourselves. In this video, explore the portraits of Alexander Scammel Wadsworth and Louisa Jerusha Denison to learn more about how and why people commissioned portraits of themselves in the 19th century.

This video has been made possible by a Sustaining the Humanities through the American Rescue Plan (#SHARP) grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities: Democracy demands wisdom. Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this article do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities.