John Langdon Sibley (1804-1885), Librarian of Harvard University, 1856-1877 c. 1858

Editor: This is a portrait of John Langdon Sibley, Harvard's librarian, by John Adams Whipple. It's a photograph, and the sepia tones give it such a serious, almost solemn feel. What strikes you about its composition? Curator: The oval format immediately segregates the subject. Note how Whipple uses light and shadow to sculpt Sibley's face, emphasizing the gravitas expected of an academic figure. Do you perceive how the composition reinforces his position? Editor: I do. The dark suit against the lighter background directs my gaze right to his face. I appreciate the way the light reveals his expression. Thank you. Curator: Indeed, it's a study in how photographic techniques can construct meaning. I am glad we could learn together.