William Holmes Black (d. 1919) 1886 - 1887

Editor: Here we have a photograph of William Holmes Black who passed away in 1919, taken by Pach Brothers. It's a very formal portrait. What can you tell me about how these types of portraits were used? Curator: Well, photography in this era became increasingly accessible, yet formal portraits retained a strong connection to social standing. Pach Brothers, operating near Harvard, likely catered to a clientele seeking to project respectability and status. Editor: So, it's a way of branding or presenting oneself? Curator: Precisely. Consider how the subject is carefully posed and dressed. What does that tell us about the intended audience and message? It’s a calculated image. Editor: I see how the studio and the sitter collaborate on that presentation. Thanks for pointing that out! Curator: My pleasure. It’s all about understanding the context.