Douglass's Digital Decision

In 1816, the photograph was invention by Joseph Nicéphore Niépce. He paved the way for redefining the image of humanity, revolutionizing how we see ourselves and those around us. When Frederick Douglass was born in 1818, the camera had only been around for a few years. By the time he was twenty, he had escaped slavery and reached New York in 1838, at which point the camera had evolved into the daguerreotype, named after creator Louis Jacques Mande Daguerre, a medium which Douglass would be captured on the most.

By using frequent prolific photography to further his narrative, Douglass was able to extend himself and his message of freedom beyond where his words or physical presence could reach.To get the attention he required and deserved, Douglass weaved his image in into the public eye with the mission of developing a new image of African Americans. He desired to begin the long road of the reconciliation process through the power of imagery. One of the ways he would use his personal image to combat societal views of slaves and African Americans was by featuring his face on the cover of all his autobiographies.