[John Ballantyne] 1860s

Editor: Here we have an albumen print from the 1860s, a portrait of John Ballantyne by John and Charles Watkins. It's striking how immediate and… real the man feels, even across the years. What do you see when you look at this piece? Curator: It's funny you say "real," because doesn’t photography always play with that notion? This man, this Mr. Ballantyne, isn’t simply *there*, but constructed, curated almost. The slightly softened focus, the way the light caresses his face… It speaks to a particular aspiration, a desire to present a specific image. The sitter looks like someone lost in thought, maybe he was just trying to sit still, what do you think? Editor: That’s interesting, that photography would play with what’s real. And it's true, that level of self-consciousness must have been a challenge in such early photography. I see someone… accomplished. Confident, but maybe a touch melancholic? Curator: Melancholy is a fine thread running through so many portraits of this era, don't you think? This feeling certainly permeates a great number of similar pieces from the era, so, it gives us pause. Is this because of something intrinsic, say like a sense of looming mortality, or something as superficial as "portrait-taking is hard?" Editor: Good question! Well, whatever the real answer is, this was a lovely conversation. I appreciate your fresh take! Curator: The pleasure was all mine! I can go look at this with you again any day!