William Everett (1839-1910) 1874 - 1875

Curator: Here we have a mounted albumen print by William Notman, dating to around the late 19th century. The portrait is of William Everett. Editor: My first impression is quiet contemplation. The muted tones and the subject absorbed in writing create this atmosphere of interiority. Curator: Absolutely. Notman's studio was known for portraying prominent figures, and here, we see Everett engaged in intellectual work, which aligns with prevailing notions of scholarly identity and masculine respectability during that era. Editor: I wonder what he's writing. Maybe a fiery abolitionist speech or just his grocery list? Either way, there's something deeply human about capturing these intimate moments. Curator: Indeed. The composition, framing Everett within an oval vignette, reinforces the sense of the sitter as a cultivated and respectable individual. Editor: It makes me think about the power of a single image to convey so much about a person and the society they lived in. What a fascinating glimpse into the past.