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Primary sourcePhotograph

Samuel Leonard Tilley Standing

Smeaton phot. Quebec

A full-length studio portrait of Samuel Leonard Tilley taken in Quebec, likely from his conference-era or federal political career.

A formal studio portrait of Tilley, likely connected to his conference-era or federal political career.

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Black-and-white studio portrait of a standing man with swept-back hair, wearing a long double-breasted coat, waistcoat with a watch chain, and bow tie. He rests one hand on an ornate carved table with two books; a painted columned backdrop and drape are behind him.
Smeaton phot. Quebec, Samuel Leonard Tilley standing.

About this source

What it is

This is a black-and-white studio photograph by Smeaton, taken in Quebec, showing Samuel Leonard Tilley standing in formal dress with a watch chain, resting a hand on a table with two books, in front of a painted backdrop typical of 19th-century studio photography.

Why it matters

The photograph was likely taken in connection with Tilley's involvement in the conferences or his later federal political career, periods when he was among the leading figures shaping the new Dominion of Canada.

Look closer

  • What do the studio props — the books, the painted backdrop, the pose — suggest about how politicians wanted to present themselves?
  • Why might Tilley have had his portrait taken in Quebec specifically?
  • What questions does this image leave unanswered about the exact moment it was taken?

This photograph is part of the curated material that grounds the AI version of Samuel Leonard Tilley on Humy.ai — when students ask about related events, the AI can quote it and cite it.

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Black-and-white group photograph of about two dozen men in 19th-century suits and top hats posed on the front steps and lawn of a shingled colonial building with white columns and a fanlight doorway.Photograph

Primary source

Charlottetown Conference Delegates, September 1864

George P. Roberts · September 1864

Title page of an 1867 printed copy of the British North America Act, reading 'An Act of the Imperial Parliament for the Union of Canada, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, and the Government Thereof', with a royal crest and 'Ottawa: Printed by Hunter, Rose & Co. 1867'.Document

Primary source

Constitution Act, 1867

1867

Black and white studio portrait of a standing man with wavy hair and side whiskers, wearing a dark long coat, waistcoat, and bow tie. His left hand rests on an ornate carved table holding a book and a small carved box. A column and draped backdrop appear behind him, with a carved chair at right.Photograph

Primary source

Portrait of Samuel Leonard Tilley

William Notman · 1864

Black-and-white studio portrait of a seated bearded man with glasses and short hair, wearing a dark coat, vest, and light trousers. He rests one hand on a wooden desk with papers, beside an ornate carved chair, with a draped curtain behind him.Photograph

Primary source

Samuel Leonard Tilley, Member of Parliament

William James Topley · February 1869

Sepia daguerreotype-style portrait of a seated young man in a dark suit, waistcoat and cravat, beside a seated woman in a dark dress, white lace bonnet and patterned shawl. Both hands rest in laps.Photograph

Primary source

Tilley et Hanford

before 1862

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