Mr and Mrs W. Beach 1853 - 1856

Curator: "Mr. and Mrs. W. Beach," a photograph, an albumen print to be exact, by Jane Martha St. John, taken between 1853 and 1856. It has an undeniable sepia charm. I find its aged aesthetic and portrait of a couple gives it an almost dreamlike quality, particularly due to its medium and age. What is your take on this piece? Editor: Well, immediately I notice how the composition is structured. The subjects are placed beneath an arch of foliage, almost like a natural frame within the photographic frame. The textures of their clothing seem to clash with the very flat background, and that contrast stands out a lot! Do you notice anything else? Curator: Indeed, and let's focus on the formal qualities a bit more. Notice how the photographer has structured this piece. Do you see the symmetry? How about the chair off to the right? Or even the contrast between dark and light playing within the textures of the materials, juxtaposed by the stark whiteness and lack of textural definition in the background? Editor: I hadn't considered the balance and texture contrasts so explicitly before, actually. Is it common to play around with those elements within the art from this era? Curator: Frequently, yes. It helps define a lot of art within the romantic period, and portraiture, no matter the period it belongs to, emphasizes texture to capture human essence. It contributes significantly to its aesthetic, as we see texture as a physical manifestation of life and motion within such static portraitures. Do you agree with that observation? Editor: It gives so much meaning! Absolutely. Seeing the piece dissected, like this makes it so different, and also I better appreciate that choice and emphasis by the artist. It's quite informative. Curator: Exactly. Analyzing those structural aspects lets us interpret it more profoundly. It all has meaning that builds the artwork together. Editor: I will surely see a photograph in a different light now.