John E. Hanson (U.S. delegate) 1889 - 1890

Editor: Here we have a portrait of John E. Hanson, a U.S. delegate, by Mathew Brady. It's a photograph, mounted in an album. The sepia tones give it a sense of history. What can you tell me about this portrait? Curator: Well, consider the context. Brady was a prominent photographer, who operated a studio where many portraits were produced. It is vital to examine the means of production. These portraits were commodities, made possible by industrialization. Who was able to afford such a portrait and what did it signify? Editor: That's a really interesting point. I never considered how widespread photography was becoming, and the way industrialization affected the art. Curator: Exactly. It challenges the romantic ideal of the lone artist, doesn’t it? Perhaps even democratizing portraiture in a way, even if access was still limited. Editor: I guess so. Thinking about it that way makes me see it differently. Thanks!