Hyrum Smith's identity through the examination of the Larsen Daguerreotype.

 In my new blog post, I will be discussing the Larsen Daguerreotype and presenting evidence that it is, indeed, a portrait of Hyrum Smith. To begin the analysis, it is crucial to understand the characteristics of the daguerreotype camera lens used in capturing the image. The lens, known as a meniscus lens, had a long focal length, typically ranging from 150mm to 300mm in today's specifications.

The significance of focal length becomes apparent when photographing a three-dimensional subject such as a person. In contemporary portrait photography, lenses with focal lengths around 50mm to 85mm are commonly used on DSLR cameras, while smartphone cameras typically have a focal length of around 26mm. These variations in focal length greatly influence the proportions of a human face in a photograph. We have all noticed how selfies can make our noses appear larger due to the shorter focal length.

Understanding this concept is crucial when comparing the proportions of the death mask with those in the daguerreotype photos. The new downloadable 3D masks of Hyrum and Joseph Smith, provided by the LDS, utilize an orthographic projection feature that reduces lens distortion and emulates an image more similar to a daguerreotype. This key detail seems to have been overlooked by previous researchers studying the Larsen daguerreotype.

To accurately measure a three-dimensional object in comparison to a flat object, it is essential to establish the closest possible calibration for precise analysis.

Both the death masks of Hyrum and Joseph were taken postmortem while they were lying horizontally. It is important to note that postmortem changes, such as livor mortis (pooling of blood), can have various effects on the human face. Livor mortis can act as a "facelift" of sorts, pulling the soft tissues of the mouth and nose. In some cases, it can even cause swelling of these features. Furthermore, as facial muscles relax after death, notable expressions that were present in life cease to be visible. These factors can significantly impact the reliability of measuring specific features in these circumstances.

When analyzing the daguerreotype and death mask, it is essential to take into account these variations caused by postmortem changes. It is important to approach the comparison with caution and acknowledge the potential limitations imposed by these factors.

Once I established the correct positioning of the death mask, ensuring similar lighting conditions, I proceeded with a detailed comparison between the Larsen daguerreotype and the mask of Hyrum Smith. To my amazement, I discovered an astonishing alignment of key landmarks, including the brow bone, nose ridge, and jawline. The shape of the eyes in the daguerreotype matched remarkably well. I meticulously drew landmark lines off the mask, and they aligned beautifully with the corresponding features in the daguerreotype.

Caution is necessary when relying solely on overlay images as definitive proof. Optical illusions or blending effects can deceive the eye, this is known as the morphing phenomenon.

Despite these considerations, the accuracy of the alignment between the death mask and the daguerreotype is striking. The consistency of the key facial features provides compelling evidence in support of the assertion that the Larsen daguerreotype is Hyrum Smith with a high likely probability.

It is important to note that I believe this is a "copied version" of the original daguerreotype of Hyrum due to the landmarks present in the Larsen photo. Daguerrotypes are shot as a mirrored image, when reshot again, they turn back to the correct image. This was a common practice of the time as noted by this advert.

1852- A Daguerreotypist named William A. Smith (also known as Amor de Cosmo) operated a photography studio in Kanesville, Iowa.  On May 13^th he ran an advertisement in the Kanesville Frontier Guardian and the Iowa Sentential.

NEW ADVERTISEMENT.

“Those once lov’d forms, still breathing through their dust,

Still from the fame in mould  gigantic cast,

Startling to live, -sh whisper of the past.”

Daguerrean Pictures

Of

JOSEPH AND HYRUM SMITH,

AND THE

NAUVOO TEMPLE,

May be seen at the Smith’s Gallery.

Pictures of all kinds copied.

One notable feature is his chin, which is angled unnaturally to the right (view in top right photo). This could be attributed to either a genetic defect or an injury. While the Hyrum Dibble mask does not exhibit this characteristic due to repair, the Hyrum Pedastal mask does display a similarly angled chin. Additionally, there is a slight disparity in the height of the right nostril similarly seen in the mask. This is likely a natural imperfection, as our bodies are not perfectly symmetrical.

I was amazed by the striking similarity of Hyrum's key features, including his pronounced cupid's bow, facial creases, and browbone shape. Moreover, the scars on both the death mask of Hyrum and the Larsen Daguerreotype match. Note: I don't have access to a high res image of Hyrum and this one was borrowed for commentary and research purposes. It is my belief that a higher-resolution image would only substantiate my claim. The probability of such precise scar alignment occurring randomly is astronomical! This is a daguerreotype photo of Hyrum Smith!

I have also conducted a quick study comparing a Sutcliffe Maudsley profile trace drawing of Hyrum Smith to other representations. In the study, #1 depicts a profile from Hyrum's Dibble death mask, which is slightly rotated and leaning back to match the angle of the drawing. #2 shows the Sutcliffe Maudsley drawing of Hyrum, where his brow bone is pronounced, the nose is exaggerated, and the placement of the eyes is incorrect. It is important to note that Sutcliffe was a novice artist. #3 displays the death mask with a perfect profile and a less prominent brow bone. There seems to be a discrepancy between Sutcliffe's drawing of the nose bridge and the actual profile of Hyrum, possibly due to Sutcliffe's error, Hyrum's slight turn, or damage to Hyrum's nose bridge from the pistol bullet wound.

In image #4, the same profile of Hyrum is presented but rotated into a more natural position. It is worth mentioning that when tilting one's head down, proportions appear spaced differently from the front view, so caution must be exercised when measuring linear distances in photos. Lastly, #5 showcases the Larsen Daguerreotype. However, it is important to note that the Maudsley drawings may not be reliable for precise measurements or image verification since they do not align with the death masks and are hand-drawn, possibly with multiple iterations. They may have been initially traced and then resized using a grid system or by hand.

Exciting news! Another insightful and intriguing blog post is on its way. Feel free to join the discussion by commenting here or on my Joseph Smith Photo Facebook Page. I don't mind answering questions or hearing other opinions as long as it is civil. Also, please share and spread the word! Stay tuned for more exciting content I have planned! I have some really cool topics coming up regarding both the Larsen Daguerrotype and my copy of the Joseph Smith Daguerrotype.

Using advanced AI technology, I've successfully created stunning representations of Joseph Smith Jr. and a possible depiction of his brother, Hyrum Smith. These accurate representations were generated by leveraging their original daguerreotypes as references. 📷 It's incredible how AI can help bring historical figures to life with such precision. Stay tuned for more updates and details about this fascinating AI project.

I added this link to a previous post but I am going to re-add it as it is still relevant. To see a visualization of how focal length affects the face. This guy has a really cool website. https://www.danvojtech.cz/blog/2016/07/amazing-how-focal-length-affect-shape-of-the-face/