No. 167. Raftboat “David Bronson” 1885

Curator: Standing before us is Henry P. Bosse's photograph, "No. 167. Raftboat 'David Bronson'", dating back to 1885. Editor: The tonality strikes me immediately. This monochromatic, almost ethereal, quality evokes a sense of a bygone era. The circular crop adds a distinctive compositional element too. Curator: Indeed, the photograph exhibits a distinctive compositional choice with its circular format, setting it apart from traditional landscape photography. We see a raftboat on calm waters and its reflection, some smoke billowing. A small band of trees occupies the back. Note the tonal variations achievable within a single color, creating depth. Editor: What fascinates me is not merely the image, but the labor it represents. Bosse likely used the cyanotype process; the materials, the preparation, the time invested, each print was touched directly. And think of the raftboat itself; the workers on it transporting raw material down the river. The embodied labour feels ever-present. Curator: Your point on the cyanotype is apt. Bosse utilized this alternative photographic process skillfully. But notice how this approach allows for simplification of form—it guides our eye toward the interplay of shape and light. Consider the articulation of volume—how do tonal shifts communicate the mass and solidity of the boat versus the transient nature of steam? Editor: Yet, the means of production are crucial. These river routes supported growing industry. Photography became another tool to visualize these shifts, and in Bosse's case, perhaps to even document this movement in some way. I want to consider Bosse within the economic ecosystem, both documenting and producing images. What did it mean to create such an object? Who consumed this? Curator: Undoubtedly a relevant point. However, by focusing solely on those external factors we risk neglecting its visual properties. Let's reconsider the way Bosse harnesses the monochrome palette, achieving visual coherence through repetition. Editor: In a sense, this piece gives us visual access to a pivotal historical moment while using photographic printing in unique, hands-on ways. The act of image-making intertwines here, adding rich historical dimensions. Curator: I concur; the layering of historical moment and its mode of presentation adds a layer of depth to "Raftboat 'David Bronson'". Editor: Indeed. Understanding it through both its tangible presence and production circumstances unlocks valuable avenues for consideration.