Mr. and Mrs. Craik 1865 - 1875

Editor: So, this is an albumen print from somewhere between 1865 and 1875, called "Mr. and Mrs. Craik." It's a portrait, and honestly, it strikes me as pretty stiff and formal. I mean, it has a certain antique charm. How would you interpret this work? Curator: It's tempting to see formality as simply a reflection of Victorian values. But what if we look closer at who had access to portraiture at this time? Consider the rapidly evolving technology of photography alongside Victorian society’s deeply stratified class structure. This image speaks volumes about status, about the Craiks' aspirations, and about how they wanted to be seen, particularly as gendered power relations impacted what their roles in society were. What details stand out to you in relation to these ideas? Editor: Well, he’s seated, holding a book, seemingly engaged and educated, while she’s standing slightly behind him, hands clasped, more of a… supportive presence? Curator: Exactly. What does it tell us about the power dynamics within their relationship, but also in broader societal contexts? This isn't just a neutral record. It's a carefully constructed performance of identity within a very specific social and historical moment, even down to the props and how much access someone of the Craik's class could purchase. This photograph encapsulates a desire for upward mobility and recognition during a time of tremendous industrial and technological advancement. Editor: It definitely makes me think about how photography, even early on, was used to project a certain image and perpetuate social norms. Curator: Precisely. Now consider how that applies to image production today. Are the dynamics all that different? How are individuals framing themselves, and what societal expectations or biases are they playing into, or pushing against? Editor: That's a good question! Thanks for providing that lens. I’ll look at portraits very differently now!