# 19th-Century Selfies: The Most Important Photos You've Never Heard Of

> F Holland Day's 1898 selfie series, The Seven Words, redefined photography's spiritual potential.
- Title: 19th-Century Selfies: The Most Important Photos You've Never…
- Summary: F Holland Day's 1898 selfie series, The Seven Words, redefined photography's spiritual potential. F Holland Day created seven platinum prints in 1898…
- Keywords: f holland day, the seven words, toledo museum of art, platinum print, pictorialism, photography history, self-portrait, 19th-Century, Selfies, Most, Important, Photos
- Source: Digital Camera World — https://digitalcameraworld.com/photography/these-19th-century-selfies-might-just-be-the-most-important-photographs-youve-never-heard-of
- Published: 2026-10-17T14:30:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: f holland day, the seven words, toledo museum of art, platinum print, pictorialism, photography history, self-portrait
## The Selfie's Origins
The selfie is not a modern invention but dates back to the 1890s.
## F Holland Day's Project
In 1898, F Holland Day created seven platinum prints portraying himself as Christ on the cross.
## The Seven Words Concept
Day made one print for each of Jesus' final phrases from 'Father, forgive them' to 'It is finished'.
## Historical Context
The work caused controversy when first shown but was largely forgotten for over a century.
## Toledo Museum Acquisition
Toledo Museum of Art bought one of three known original prints in 2026.
## Why It Matters
Day's work shows photography's spiritual potential and was ahead of its time in artistic approach.
## Display Date
The Seven Words will go on display at Toledo Museum of Art in autumn 2027.
## Key takeaway

F Holland Day created seven platinum prints in 1898 portraying himself as Christ on the cross, now displayed at Toledo Museum of Art after being forgotten for over a century.