Morton Davis Mitchell (d. 1907) 1886 - 1887

Editor: This cabinet card, a portrait of Morton Davis Mitchell by Pach Brothers, captures a moment in time. I'm struck by how formal and staged it feels. What can you tell me about the context of portraiture at the turn of the century? Curator: These cabinet cards were a form of mass media and social currency. Pach Brothers, with their Broadway studio, catered to a certain clientele. Consider how such images circulated, reinforcing social hierarchies and projecting desired public images. What does the subject's attire suggest? Editor: It seems like he's trying to convey respectability and intellect. Maybe the glasses are part of that performance? Curator: Precisely. The performance of identity through photography was carefully curated. The proliferation of these images also influenced painting and other art forms, impacting how people saw themselves and others. Food for thought. Editor: I never considered how photography shaped even painting! Thanks for sharing.