H. Price (Haitian delegate) 1889 - 1890

Editor: Here we have Mathew Brady's photographic portrait of H. Price, a Haitian delegate. It's such a formal composition. What do you see in this piece? Curator: Note the sitter's gaze, slightly averted, lending an air of reserved dignity. How does the monochrome palette contribute to the overall sense of gravitas, and what is the effect of the sharp focus on the face against the softer background? Editor: It does seem to emphasize his presence. I hadn't considered how much the tonal range shapes the mood. Curator: Indeed. And have you considered the interplay between the subject's posture and the rectangular format of the print itself? Editor: Not really, but that's a great point to consider! Thanks! Curator: A pleasure. There's always more to discover in the formal aspects of an image.