Lord Robertson 1843 - 1847

This is an early photograph of Lord Robertson, made by Hill and Adamson around 1843, using the calotype process. The print is dominated by a tonal scale that moves between warm sepia tones and darker browns, which combine to create a rich, tactile surface. Robertson’s figure, with its mass and volume, is anchored by the composition. We see the subject gazing sternly outward, with a slight diagonal tilt of the head. The composition uses visual signs, with dark clothing and a stern gaze, which signify dignity and authority. The detail is focused on his face and hands, framed by the soft blur of the out-of-focus background. The image evokes a sense of timelessness, inviting us to consider the relationship between representation, identity, and power. Photographs like this one have always been more than simple records; they actively construct meaning. What do you think this image says about the sitter?