[Collection of British Calotypes and Wood-engravings] 1850s

This photographic print is by William John Newton. Here, we see the figure of Colonel Whitmore, his gaze direct, his form captured in the subtle tones of early photography. The Colonel’s formal attire, with its high collar, speaks of his status and time. This pose, reminiscent of classical portraiture, echoes through centuries of art, harking back to Roman busts and Renaissance paintings. Consider the act of portraiture itself: the desire to capture and preserve an individual's likeness. This impulse appears in ancient Egyptian funerary masks to Renaissance portraiture. We can trace the evolution of this desire through shifts in societal values and technological advancements, all aiming to immortalize the human form. This impulse speaks to our deep-seated anxieties about mortality and our longing for enduring recognition. The faded quality of this early photograph adds another layer, reminding us of the fleeting nature of time. Yet, the image persists, a testament to the enduring power of the human image.