Robert Cornelius and the First Selfie

Robert Cornelius Self Portait 1839 Library of Congress Prints and Photographs DivisionRobert Cornelius, a Philadelphia photographer, is believed to have taken the world’s first self-portrait — the first selfie — in 1839. The Library, which already had the world’s large collection of his work, in December acquired a donation from Cornelius’ great-great-grand-daughter, Sarah Bodine, of more of his photographic materials. Preservationists are now at work on the new donation.

read more on the Library of Congress Blog.


Discover more from MIRL

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.