Illustrated catalogue of the exhibition of portraits on loan in the new Galleries of art 1868

This "Illustrated Catalogue of the Exhibition of Portraits" was photographed and published in Glasgow by Thomas Annan. The open book presents a stark contrast between the blank left page and the text-dominated right. Notice how the formal arrangement of the title page is structured. Text is stacked hierarchically, creating a visual rhythm through varied font sizes and weights. The coat of arms grounds the composition, adding symbolic weight through graphic elements. This formal structure isn’t just decorative; it’s a deliberate act of framing and ordering knowledge. The typography and layout serve as a visual semiotic system, directing our attention and shaping our understanding of the exhibition. Annan uses the catalogue's design to lend authority and historical significance to the exhibition it documents. Consider how the catalogue’s design invites interpretation, reflecting a desire to organize and present culture in a structured, meaningful way.