Hollis Thayer (d. 1884) 1874 - 1875

Editor: This is a portrait of Hollis Thayer, who died in 1884. It was taken by William Notman, a Canadian photographer. It's a small print, almost sepia-toned, and the sitter looks rather formal. What can you tell me about it? Curator: Well, Notman's portraits were often linked to ideas of Victorian masculinity and social standing. Consider Thayer’s facial hair and clothing—they are powerful visual signifiers of bourgeois identity. I wonder, how might this image reinforce or challenge gender roles of the time? Editor: That's interesting. It does seem to be very carefully constructed to project a certain image. Thanks for sharing your insights! Curator: It's crucial to consider how photography, even then, shaped and perpetuated societal norms around identity. I am glad we could share these reflections.