James Mills Peirce (1834-1906)

Curator: This is a photograph of James Mills Peirce, president of Kenyon College, taken by Pach Brothers. Editor: The sepia tone gives it such a strong sense of history; the man's beard practically overflows, doesn't it? Curator: Yes, the beard is quite striking! Portrait photography like this was becoming more accessible, a powerful tool for projecting social standing. Editor: Absolutely. And you can see the texture of the card and the ink of the studio's imprint. It really highlights the process, the labor involved in image making. Curator: The studios themselves, like Pach Brothers, were important social institutions, shaping visual culture. Editor: It’s a remarkable artifact – a study in material and social life. Curator: Indeed, and a glimpse into the professional world of the late 19th century.