Portrait of Six Men c. 1850s

Robert Vance made this photographic portrait of six men using the tintype process, a popular and affordable technology that democratized portraiture during the mid-19th century. What we see here is more than just a picture; it's a glimpse into the construction of masculinity during the Victorian era. The men's dark suits and hats, along with their carefully cultivated mustaches and serious expressions, speak to the era's emphasis on respectability, brotherhood and self-control. Yet, as we look closer, we can also consider questions of class and social mobility. Photography offered new opportunities for individuals to document and perform their identities. In staging a group portrait like this one, these men seem to be making a statement about their collective aspirations and social standing. What alternative stories do you think this portrait can tell?