Three years before her death in 1849, Dolley Madison posed for photographer John Plumbe Jr. in Washington, D.C., creating the earliest known photograph of an American first lady. The 1846 daguerreotype recently resurfaced after decades of obscurity and was auctioned last week at Sotheby’s, where it fetched $456,000, significantly exceeding its estimated value of $50,000 to $70,000. The Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery acquired the portrait, adding it to their permanent collection alongside the earliest known photograph of a U.S. president, an 1843 portrait of John Quincy Adams.
Dolley Madison, who served as first lady from 1809 to 1817, is celebrated for her hospitality and bravery, particularly during the War of 1812 when she saved a portrait of George Washington from British forces. Known for her expert social skills, Dolley helped shape the role of the first lady, hosting political figures from various backgrounds and establishing the first lady’s unofficial duty as the nation’s hostess. President Zachary Taylor eulogized her as “the first lady of the land for half a century” upon her death in 1849.
The National Women’s History Museum highlights Dolley’s influence in creating the role of the first lady, setting standards for her successors. The 1846 daguerreotype will be displayed at the National Portrait Gallery in a 2026 exhibition, marking the 50th anniversary of the museum’s photography collection and the 250th anniversary of the United States’ founding.
