Dr. Inglis, Halifax 1843 - 1847

Here we see "Dr. Inglis, Halifax," made by Hill and Adamson around 1843 using a calotype, an early photographic process. The portrait is dominated by soft sepia tones, lending it a timeless quality. The composition is structured around the subject's profile, with his form creating a distinct diagonal. The lighting subtly models his face, highlighting the texture of his hair and clothing. This focus on texture and form over sharp detail destabilizes the traditional portrait's emphasis on exact likeness. The soft focus and tonal range function as a semiotic system that invites interpretation rather than dictating a fixed meaning. The photograph challenges the idea of portraiture as a straightforward representation. It uses the new technology to investigate texture, light, and form, inviting a more nuanced engagement with the subject's presence.