Francis Dumaresq (d. 1902) 1874 - 1875

Curator: This is William Notman's photograph of Francis Dumaresq, currently housed at the Harvard Art Museums. The sepia tone gives it such a nostalgic air. Editor: Absolutely. It's interesting to consider Notman's studio practice and the commercial aspect of these portraits, catering to a specific social class and their desire for representation. The materiality of the print itself, the type of paper used, and the printing process all speak to that. Curator: Precisely. And how these photographic studios shaped a particular visual culture. The backdrop, the lighting, even Dumaresq's pose, are carefully constructed to project a certain image of respectability and status. Editor: The controlled environment of the studio contrasts with the outside world, suggesting constructed identities through this type of image consumption, where labor goes into image-making. Curator: It's a fascinating tension. Thinking about this from a historical context, it gives a glimpse into societal values and aspirations of the late 19th century. Editor: I agree, it leaves one pondering on the manufactured nature of photography.