[Unknown Subject] 1860s

This portrait, of an unknown subject, was made by John and Charles Watkins, in the 1860s, using the albumen silver print method. The Watkins brothers operated during a time when photography was still relatively new, and portraiture was becoming increasingly accessible to the middle class. The man’s gaze drifts to the left, conveying a sense of contemplation. His hand is raised to his chin, which creates a contemplative mood. His suit and tie, along with his styled hair and neatly groomed beard, reflect the sitter's social standing. Photographs like this one offer a glimpse into the construction of identity during the Victorian era, reflecting societal values and the desire for self-representation. The Watkins brothers have left us an intimate visual record that invites us to consider the complexities of identity and representation in the 19th century.