Principal Haldane, St. Andrews 1843 - 1847

This calotype image of Principal Haldane of St. Andrews was created between 1843 and 1848 by Hill and Adamson. This portrait exists at the intersection of art, science, and society. As one of photography's earliest processes, the calotype marked a shift in portraiture, previously reserved for the wealthy. Here, we see Principal Haldane, an educated man, captured with a sense of gravity and presence. The tonal range achieved through the calotype process gives a softness to his features, humanizing his position of authority. The collaboration between Hill, a painter, and Adamson, a chemist, exemplifies the fusion of art and science during this period. Their partnership democratized portraiture, capturing diverse subjects beyond the elite. The emotional depth conveyed in this image invites contemplation on the sitter’s life, his role in society, and the narratives that photography could unveil.