Henry M. Howe 1869

Editor: So here we have a page from an album, showcasing albumen print portraits of Henry M. Howe, dating back to 1869. It's fascinating how photography was used for formal portraiture back then. I'm immediately drawn to the man’s mustaches, a stark contrast between the first and second image! What do you make of these portraits, seeing them together? Curator: Well, isn’t it funny how a little facial hair can drastically alter someone's perceived persona? Look closely – beyond the groomed statement piece, there’s a world of unspoken stories etched onto Howe's face in both images, don’t you think? The youthful almost delicate portrayal versus the imposing self-assured portrait of a man. Editor: That's very insightful! Is it about evolution or something else, since they are displayed together? Curator: It could be either… perhaps intentionally showing two different sides of his personality. In 1869, portraiture, especially photography, became increasingly accessible, capturing not just physical likeness, but also aspiring to capture character, you see. Howe may well have had intentions to project the self image to come… Editor: Hmm. So, it's like he’s experimenting with different versions of himself in these photographs? The second image comes of strong and wise... Curator: Precisely! Think of it as performance of the self, long before Instagram filters existed! It shows ambition... It’s quite profound when you consider that he chose these images to represent himself for posterity. What do *you* read when you observe both portraits together? Editor: I agree. It makes one consider about their presentation, both images displayed as we're looking at them now. The page reminds me to observe change and stability when portraying one’s life... So profound! Curator: Yes, a tangible glimpse into how photography froze fleeting moments in time and became such a valuable witness in identity creation!