[Macrae, Ross, and Warner Families Outdoors] 1858

Horatio Ross created this salted paper print, "[Macrae, Ross, and Warner Families Outdoors]," capturing a moment of familial unity in a carefully composed tableau. Ross, a Scottish sportsman, parliamentarian, and early photographer, created this work within the context of Victorian society, which placed a strong emphasis on family and social class. In this intimate portrait, the convergence of three families prompts us to consider the social dynamics and gender roles of the era. The women's attire speaks to their status, while their positioning within the group hints at the expectations placed upon them. Ross's lens seems to subtly reinforce the patriarchal structures of the time, even as it captures a seemingly candid moment. The inclusion of pets adds a layer of domesticity to the image, reflecting the Victorian fascination with animals. "I like photographs to be a bit out of focus," Ross once remarked, and there's a softness to this image which almost invites us into this scene. Ultimately, this photograph invites us to reflect on the ways in which identity, class, and gender were negotiated and performed in the 19th century.