Warren Augustus Reed (d. 1927) 1874 - 1875

Curator: This cabinet card features a portrait of Warren Augustus Reed, captured by William Notman. Editor: It has a certain formality, wouldn’t you say? That monocle… a clear symbol of status. Curator: Absolutely. Consider the social context. The late 19th century saw a burgeoning middle class eager to adopt signifiers of wealth and education. Editor: The monocle speaks to that desire, doesn't it? It's not merely functional; it’s a declaration. Curator: Precisely! And the soft focus, the carefully chosen attire… all contribute to a constructed identity. The image whispers of power dynamics. Editor: It is powerful. Perhaps that is what makes it so compelling. It speaks of an era where appearances were everything. Curator: Indeed. Reflecting on such details enables us to interpret the photographic image within social structures.