Cavalry, Musician 1866

Editor: Here we have Oliver H. Willard’s “Cavalry, Musician,” an albumen print from 1866. I’m immediately struck by the crisp detail of the uniform, juxtaposed with the softness of the background. It almost feels staged, with the musician posed so rigidly. How do you interpret this work, focusing on its form? Curator: The power of this work, when approached formalistically, resides within its visual architecture. Note the stark contrast achieved through the albumen print process. Consider how Willard utilizes light to sculpt the figure of the musician. What effect does the placement of the subject, almost centrally within the frame, achieve? Editor: It definitely emphasizes the individual. The sharpness of the musician against the soft, blurred background makes him pop, like he is standing in front of a theatrical backdrop. I guess, without the backdrop, there would not be a center to highlight his being in this photograph. Curator: Precisely. The contrasting textures and defined forms speak to the meticulous attention Willard paid to the photographic process itself. We also must acknowledge the geometric lines of the subject's clothing against his beard to consider his masculinity. Editor: It's interesting how focusing on the structure makes you appreciate the artist’s technical choices. Thank you for shedding light on this picture! Curator: The pleasure was mine; indeed, formalism encourages us to acknowledge the intent and structure of form and medium within the historical context.