Henry Lyman Patten, Kingston, New Hampshire (1836-1864) 1858

Editor: This is a portrait of Henry Lyman Patten from Kingston, New Hampshire, taken by John Adams Whipple. It feels very formal, almost staged. What can you tell me about its materiality? Curator: Let's consider the wet collodion process Whipple likely used. Think about the labor involved: preparing the glass plate, sensitizing it, exposing the image, developing it, all before the chemicals dried. Editor: So, it’s not just about capturing an image, but also about the chemical processes and the photographer's skill? Curator: Precisely. And consider the sitter's role. Patten had to remain still for an extended period. The resulting image is a product of collaborative labor under specific material conditions. Editor: I never thought of it that way! It's fascinating how much the process shapes our understanding of the final product. Curator: Indeed. Focusing on the material conditions of production allows us to understand the photograph as a record of social and technological practices.