King Street, City 1868

Thomas Annan's "King Street, City" (1868) captures a snapshot of daily life in Glasgow, Scotland. This calotype print, now housed at the Art Institute of Chicago, showcases Annan's skill in documenting the city's architecture and its inhabitants. Annan's work, often referred to as "social documentary photography," captures a specific moment in time, revealing the social and economic realities of Victorian Glasgow. The image shows the street, with its cobblestones, street lamps, and storefronts, a stark contrast to the bustling cityscape today. The photograph's composition highlights the unique architectural details of the buildings, including the ornate doorway and the shop signs, capturing a sense of both urban life and historical significance.