Dumbarton Presbytery 29 - 1845

"Dumbarton Presbytery," a calotype photograph by David Octavius Hill, captures a group of four men seated around a table. The image, taken in 1845, is a powerful example of early photography's ability to document everyday life. Hill's pioneering use of the calotype process, which involved a paper negative, allowed him to capture detail and texture. The photograph's subdued tones and sharp focus emphasize the formality of the scene, likely a gathering of ministers. The work exemplifies the rise of portraiture in the early 19th century, and its importance in capturing the likeness of individuals and groups.