Portrait of Two Men (John Henning and Alexander Handyside Ritchie) c. 1845 - 1900

This salt print, "Portrait of Two Men (John Henning and Alexander Handyside Ritchie)," was created by David Octavius Hill. Note the striking contrast in gazes. Alexander Handyside Ritchie looks up and away, perhaps towards the future, while John Henning looks down, introspective, lost in thought as he holds a pipe. This recurring motif of contemplation—figures gazing thoughtfully at an object—appears across art history. Consider the ancient philosophers depicted in Renaissance frescoes, their downward glances symbolizing deep intellectual inquiry. Here, it suggests the weight of experience. This downward gaze taps into a collective memory, a shared understanding of reflection and the introspective journey. Such a seemingly simple composition evokes profound emotional connections, linking us to a timeless pursuit of knowledge and understanding. It highlights how artistic symbols transcend time and connect us to the universal human experience of contemplation.