Two Friars 1843 - 1846

This undated photograph was made by the Scottish artist David Octavius Hill, using the calotype process, an early photographic technique. The sepia tones and soft focus give it a painterly quality, reminiscent of Dutch Golden Age genre scenes. But what does it tell us about the social context of 19th-century Scotland? Hill was a painter who, along with Robert Adamson, pioneered photography as an art form. This image, depicting two friars in what seems to be a moment of contemplation, speaks to the 19th-century fascination with religious life. The friars, with their simple robes and rosaries, evoke a sense of piety and humility. Hill's decision to photograph them in a naturalistic style, rather than a staged or theatrical one, suggests a desire to capture the authenticity of their existence. To understand Hill’s motivations fully, we might consult contemporary religious texts, social surveys, and histories of photography. By examining these resources, we can gain a deeper understanding of the complex social and cultural forces that shaped this image.