Striking tintype portrait of a well-dressed young man holding an early five-string banjo, likely a Civil War-era or early postwar instrument with a simple hoop-style body. The subject wears a three-piece suit and bow tie, posed seated in front of a boldly textured painted backdrop.

The banjo is positioned proudly, neck held aloft and the player’s hand resting on the rim, showcasing both the instrument’s form and his relationship to it. His confident stare, neatly parted hair, and sharp mustache enhance the compelling presence captured in this studio image.

A strong example of mid-19th-century American music culture and folk instrumentation, with added charm from the sitter’s direct, unflinching gaze.