World's first-ever selfie was taken in 1839, is 175 years old

The word 'selfie' has recently made its way into the dictionary, but the world's first known self-portrait was taken 175 years ago by an American photographer named Robert Cornelius​.

In 1839, Cornelius an amateur chemist and photography enthusiast, then 30 years old, had created what is believed to be the first photographic self-portrait. Cornelius had set up his camera at the back of his father's shop in Philadelphia (US), removed the lens cap, ran into the frame and sat stock still for five minutes before running back and replacing the lens cap. Cornelius wrote on the back of the now historic photo: "The first light picture ever taken. 1839."

Cornelius, the son of a Dutch immigrant, had developed an interest in chemistry at school. After leaving school, he worked for his father, specialising in silver plating and metal polishing, Mashable reported. Cornelius made a silver daguerrotype plate for a photographer named Joseph Saxton, which sparked his interest in the field of photography.

Following the self-portrait, Cornelius became a photographer specialising in portraits, but he only operated for about two years. He later returned to his father's lamp business which he managed for 20 years and held many patents (licence) for improved lamp designs. In fact, the business became the largest lighting company in America.

Cornelius retired in 1877 as a wealthy man. He died in 1893, aged 84. 

Picture of Robert Cornelius self-portrait (selfie):

Image Credit: Library of Congress via Wikimedia Commons.