A powerful occupational portrait of a blacksmith standing inside his forge, captured in a rare half plate tintype. The subject stands confidently with one hand on his hip and the other resting on the anvil, surrounded by an immersive array of tools, tongs, and ironwork. Behind him, a stone forge dominates the right side of the image, while to his left, horseshoes are neatly arranged along the wall in rows.

The composition reveals remarkable detail, including the hammer rack, long iron rods leaning against the wall, and the textured brickwork of the forge chimney. Light filters in dramatically, emphasizing the muscularity of the figure and the heavy labor of his trade.

Images of blacksmiths within their working environments are uncommon, especially in this large format and with such an abundance of contextual detail. The portrait offers an invaluable visual record of 19th-century craftsmanship and the tools of a vanishing profession, rendered with cinematic depth and clarity. A rare and evocative occupational tintype.