Otis Putnam Abercrombie, Lynchburg, Virginia (1836-1904) 1858

Curator: This photographic portrait by John Adams Whipple captures Otis Putnam Abercrombie of Lynchburg, Virginia. The image is albumen silver print on card mount. Editor: The sepia tones create a somber, almost reverential mood. I'm immediately drawn to the subject's gaze, but also the tactile quality of the paper itself, given its evident age. Curator: Right, the albumen process involved coating paper with egg whites, creating a smooth surface for the silver nitrate. It was a popular method in the mid-19th century, offering detailed images. Abercrombie is presented as a man of stature and confidence, contributing to how we remember people from the past. Editor: It’s interesting how the photographic process, dependent on light and chemistry, could simultaneously democratize portraiture, yet also solidify social hierarchies. The labor and materials involved speak to a specific time and place. Curator: Indeed, the photograph functions as a symbol, too; its existence signals Abercrombie’s place in society, a visual marker for the generations to come. Editor: Looking at the print, one can’t help but consider the chemistry and craft involved in creating what endures as an accessible historical record. Curator: It's a fascinating intersection of art, craft, and social history. Editor: Precisely.