This is likely the only known picture of Joseph Smith Jr. Much research has gone into authenticating this photo and LDS and Community of Christ researchers and archivists are now 90% confident that this is him, but they are not able to be fully certain. For a more detailed report on the study that has gone into this photo, as well as the newly commissioned portrait of him, please click on the following link: The Joseph Smith Painting
Also, here is another recently found photo that some believe to be the Prophet.
A Possible Photograph of Joseph Smith Jr.
Sunday, January 6, 2008
by
Seth Adam Smith
·
Labels:
Faith,
Jesus Christ,
Joseph Smith,
Latter-day Saints,
Mormonism,
Mormons,
Personal,
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21 comments:
Seth, I've seen this photo before (within the last year or so) but I was wondering where you came across it. Also, do you have any source on the confidence of LDS archivists that this may be Joseph? I have read another similar comment but no one is citing sources. Thanks.
I would also be interested in seeing the source. If this is real, I would like to know. I went to the linked page but I don't see this picture anywhere.
Thanks,
-David
I have a little experience with this photo. The first time I saw this image was at the house of the Mormon artist Gary Earnest Smith. His daughter was in may student ward at the University of Utah. For a Family Home Evening we went to his studio and he shared with us the current project he was working on. He had been commissioned by the RLDS church to restore this photograph and do some paintings based on his photographic restoration. The original photo was actually fairly deteriorated, (you can find images of it on the web too). He did a digital restoration of the original pixel by pixel. Along with some analysis comparing the death masks with this photo. Two things make me think this is really a photo of Joseph, the eyebrows, which are a bit uneven, and the area just below the lip. Compared to the death masks they are pretty close to the same.
Seth,
I've seen the actual photo of Joseph Smith, and THIS is not it! I'd say, check the Library of Congress...
This, this is not even close to the image "quality" of a daguerrotype. This is some guy sitting down with probably a digital camera and later photoshopping it up to make it look old. Sorry, but it's not even close.
Like I say, I don't want to burst your bubble, but this sort of thing only adds to the confusion out there.
The real photo is actually quite amazing. It adds to my testimony of the prophet. You can see where he took some lumps in defense of the faith!
This guy, whoever he is, hasn't taken the lumps, but maybe he should? (just kidding)
Regards, Cliff Warren, Pocatello Idaho cliffwarren@yahoo.com
The only photo I have seen that rings true to me is on www.josephsmithphoto.com It is not an image that I expected to see of the prophet, but after looking at the death mask and checking the descriptions of Joseph from the early saints made me take another look with an open mind. There are actually two individuals in the photo. One is confirmed to be Brigham Young - thats cool - the other individual is for everyones own interpretations. But for me... the shoulders of that individual are the only shoulders that I have seen that match what I have read about Joseph from the people who met him and wrote his description. There is a short little video on that site too that shows how the photo was found.
The photo that you are referring to in the beginning of this blog is called the “Scannel Daguerreotype” You can see all the research around this Photo in a new released book Called “Millions Shall Know Brother Joseph Again”.
This book can be found at Seagull book and online at http://shop.ldsrestorations.com/main.sc).
Some research on the Image that is in the Library of Congress (now know as the Carson Daguerreotype) is found on this page. http://www.josephsmithpainting.com/research.html.
This page has a flash file that shows the fading between the oil and the photo, split in half which shows that they are one in the same. By almost all researchers that have looked into this image, they determined that this image in the Library of Congress is just a doctored up photo of the Oil painting found in the RLDS visitor center. That image was taken out to Utah by Joseph Smith the III and shown around as an image of his father and later Carter purchased the rights to reproduce it and renamed it a photo of Joseph. Others have made changes and versions of the image over the years.
The new image, the “Scannel Daguerreotype” has been in the RLDS archives since 1965 and is only recently researched in the past 15 years.
Cliff, in looking to discover the truth it is always best to review the full facts in a case before determining or stating a comment from only partial information. Before you discount this new image I would invite you to fully review the current information from the source of the research rather than just propagating old and inaccurate facts that are no longer true or relevant. Much is still out there to research on this new image and all open minded people are invited to come to the challenge to explore the facts and contribute to the venture.
Seth, do not be defused, you are on the right track.
A year and a half ago, I attended a presentation by the author of “Millions Shall Know Brother Joseph Again,” Shannon Tracy, before he published his book. After reviewing a good portion of his research with the group, he showed the Scannel Daguerreotype. My first reaction was not in favor. However, by that point in his presentation, Mr. Tracy had convinced me of the authenticity of the remains of Joseph and Hyrum that had been disinterred and photographed by the RLDS church some years ago. He then did an overlay of the Scannel Daguerreotype image on top of the photograph taken of Joseph's skull. I was shocked! I found myself entirely convinced that the image was a true photographic likeness of the prophet. I felt thrilled for days afterward and craved the opportunity to see it again. I continue to believe the Scannel Daguerreotype is what it is purported to be. I was so skeptical in the beginning, I wouldn't expect anyone else to believe it right away -- at least not until they are able to see what I have seen. I have not flipped through Shannon Tracy's book, but I would guess it includes a discussion of biometrics and how they are used for identification purposes by the FBI. Shannon Tracy discussed them during the presentation I attended. In my mind, the number of biometric "matches" between the death mask, the photograph of Joseph's skull and the Scannel Daguerreotype is one of the more convincing arguments in favor of this image.
Bradey said....
3-dman, you're id name is apropos and I'll tell you why. You state most researchers have concluded that the Carson daguerrotype is a "doctored up photo of the Oil painting found in the RLDS visitor center." Nothing could be farther from the truth. If you study the Carson daguerreotype closely there are 3-D qualities about it that an artist cannot reproduce! Also, there are scars on the lip and eyebrow that are clearly visible to the eye and anyone who has a working knowledge of painting portraits knows that artists do not include such imperfections portrait. Go to: http://www.comevisit.com/lds/js3photo.htm
and you will see the convincing evidence showing the Carson daguerreotype to be exactly what it claims to be- an actual photographic image of the Prophet Joesph Smith.
Also, the clothing in the photograph above is from the 1850's and 60's, not the 1840's. THis alone proves that it could not be the Prophet Joseph.
3-dman, you're id name is apropos and I'll tell you why. You state most researchers have concluded that the Carson daguerrotype is a "doctored up photo of the Oil painting found in the RLDS visitor center." Nothing could be farther from the truth. If you study the Carson daguerreotype closely there are 3-D qualities about it that an artist cannot reproduce! Also, there are scars on the lip and eyebrow that are clearly visible to the eye and anyone who has a working knowledge of painting portraits knows that artists would not include such imperfections in the portrait. Go to: http://www.comevisit.com/lds/js3photo.htm
and you will see the convincing evidence showing the Carson daguerreotype to be exactly what it claims to be- an actual photographic image of the Prophet Joesph Smith.
Also, the clothing in the photograph above is from the 1850's and 60's, not the 1840's. THis alone proves that it could not be the Prophet Joseph.
I am a professional portrait sculptor, I have studied the Joseph Smith Death Mask ,and the Scannel Daguerreotype, I can tell you this, they match, and trust me I have sculpted many a celebrity, actors etc.
I am positive the images is that of Joseph Smith, a TRUE Propheth of the Lord, and I am so happy for this discovery.
After looking at every possible representation of my beloved Prophet, this is the only one that strongly feels like it can't be Him. It doesn't have many similarities to the death mask. It just does not feel right to me.
Well, I perhaps haven't studied this as much as most, but I would say "Carson, yes", and "Scannel, no".
One thing everyone should keep in mind is that painting was more "state of the art" in the early days of photography. That is, a photo can be pretty stark... and it was likely difficult and expensive to work with. One reason for taking a photograph was certainly to provide a painter something to work with!
The Carson image is 3D. I can see it myself. No less than the Eastman Kodak company has stated the same... when presented a poster size image of the Carson image, they stated that it was a photograph of a three dimensional person.
If the Carson image matches a painting, I believe the painting was created from the photograph. Not the other way around! I'd like to see full poster size prints of each... with that I could easily prove this.
Cliff Warren, Pocatello Idaho, cliffwarren@yahoo.com
This site is your best online source of information and everything else related to camera. Please take the time to go through the vast amount of research we have done on the subject of camera.
http://www.comevisit.com/lds/js3photo.htm
This is Joseph and he looks like an alien.
Matter of fact, that is exactly what he was, and he came to Earth to amass all of the idiots who now comprise part of LDS. LDS is just a group of Satanists and people who made up their own religion!
Nice comment Satanist advocate.
If you will actually study the Prophet Joseph, you will find out that Joseph is the one person, other that Christ and God, that Satan fears! It's obvious in the First Vision. Consider first what satanic attributes are before making such claims.
In my opinion, for whatever it's worth, the Prophet Joseph Smith doesn't need a self portrait to portray his life. Infact, his actions and loyalty to God, as demonstrated here on earth, portray more vividly who he is and was better than any picture or painting could ever illustrate. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints today, is a portrait worthy of Joseph's cause.
Thanks for sharing the photo.
I can't wait to see the Prophet Joseph some day and have a fun wrestle him.
Although there is a likeness here I question it for a couple of reasons. Brother Joseph’s hair was known to be thin and fine not thick and full as in this photo. The Prophets hair was light in color and this photo it looks dark or black. The eyes look strikingly blue not blue green. The main thing I noticed is that every discription of the prophet Joseph states he had wide broad square shoulders. This man does not portray that image in the least. This is not brother Joseph but I believe the true and real image of him is found here www.josephsmithphoto.com . I personally met the man who found this picture today as I listened to him play an old piano in DI. I was amazed and stopped to listen for some time. He said I can teach you how to play in ten minutes. It was amazing. He told me his father played music for the old silent films. As I started to leave he told me he had something for me. He gave me a print of the photograph. Immediately I was captivated by the eyes that looked back at me. When he told me it was Brother Joseph I knew in my heart it had to be. But a skeptic at heart I looked up info on the death mask and prayed about it and now I have no doubt that this is an image of the Prophet Joseph Smith. Decide for yourself but I need no more convincing. If you still question it who else do you know that would be portrayed to side of and in front of Brigham Young but the Prophet Joseph Smith?
I would like to offer a very different
perspective on the Joseph and Brigham
Daguerreotype. When I first viewed
the Joseph he seemed a bit rough and
too ragged. All my life I have viewed
the artisticly "pretty" paintings and
drawings of Joseph. As I magnified
the face to get a better close-up,
I was absolutely shocked and stunned!
I was looking at my FAMILY!
Joseph really DOES LOOK LIKE MY
FAMILY?
I thought "My gosh... HE really
did look like US!" WOW!
Here's the catch. My 2nd Grt Grandfather is Jesse N Smith (Joseph's cousin). Jesse was living with Joseph and family
in the Nauvoo Mansion till the
martyrdom.
I have lived all of my life around
the direct descendents of Joseph
and Hyrum. That guy standing next
to Brigham in the photo LOOKS JUST LIKE MY:
BROTHER
MOM
UNCLE JOHN
COUSIN JOHNNY
GRANDPA SILAS
GRANDPA JESSE
ETC
To further illustrate how amazing
this all is. My brother Joseph arrived
for a visit about 20 minutes after
I first saw this photo.
I showed him the photo and he was also STUNNED!
Now I need to further state that I
do have a real leg up on what Joseph Smith REALLY looked like.
The only really accurate images we
have of the prophet are of his
profile. That much has been universally agreed upon by the
historians and scholars.
Since my brother Joseph has gotten
older he has taken on the barrel
chest and broad shoulders of his
namesake. But that's not all.
When Joe turns to the side and his
profile is viewed, his face is
EXACTLY like the REAL DEAL in all
those historical prints you've seen!
So...in comes Joe to my computer
screen and it's frontal face comparison time. And...my Joe looks like he could be a twin
to the Photo on my computer screen. Not an identical twin...
but still a twin.
My cousin John is even closer
looking than my brother to the
Photo.
But the most amazing resemblence
of all comes from a photo of my
Mom taken when she was 9 yrs old.
She appears to be a genetic female
clone of the guy in the photo.
EVERY FACIAL FEATURE IS PERFECTLY
MATCHED. INCLUDING THE EXACT SAME
THIN HAIR AND HAIRLINE IN THE PICTURE!
I have the photos of my family described here and I will gladly
Email them to anyone interested.
As you'll see... the Smith's have
a very distinct look to them that
is a little bit different from
other families (actually a bit of
a strange rough look)!
And that guy in the Photo next to
Brigham? HE'S A SMITH!
BELIEVE ME WHEN I SAY I WAS SHOCKED TO FIND OUT THAT THE
PROPHET JOSEPH REALLY DOES LOOK
LIKE....ALL HIS FAMILY!
IT'S AN EERIE FEELING TO SEE THAT
THE PROPHET OF THE RESTORATION AND
THE LAST DISPENSATION IS A NORMAL
LOOKING SMITH FAMILY MEMBER!
WHO'DDAA THUNK IT? (YOGI BERA qUOTE)
MY EMAIL:
1NELSON@PRODIGY.NET.MX
This is great info to know.
The technology for this type of picture was not around till Joseph was between 32 - 36 years old and the person in the picture is much younger than that...It is not the Prophet !!!
Seth,
I am trying to get ahold of you to check into the possibility of getting a copy of your "I believe in Christ" video for a stake relief society ward conference presentation on January 11. Could you please contact me asap and let me know if it is a possibility?
dennis10142@earthlink.net
Thank you so much.
The original photograph on which the library of congress daquerreotype was based has been discovered:
http://josephsmithjrphoto.blogspot.com/
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