Robert Gould Shaw Memorial c. 1973 - 2008

Richard Benson created this gelatin silver print of the Robert Gould Shaw Memorial. Note how the monochromatic palette and raking light enhance the sculpture's depth, creating a pronounced relief effect. The composition guides our eyes from the figure of Shaw on horseback to the determined faces of the soldiers marching alongside him. Benson’s mastery lies in capturing the interplay between light and shadow on the bronze figures, thus accentuating the memorial's texture and form. This photograph transforms the original sculpture into a study of texture, weight, and movement. Consider how the tight composition and stark tonal range create an almost claustrophobic feel, underscoring the gravity and tension inherent in the subject matter. Ultimately, this work is a meditation on representation and memory, inviting us to contemplate the complexities of history through the formal language of photography. Benson encourages us to see beyond the memorial’s historical context and consider its aesthetic and emotional impact.