Frederick Saltonstall Gould (d. 1920) 1874 - 1875

Editor: This is a mounted photograph by William Notman, depicting Frederick Saltonstall Gould. The sepia tones give it a certain formality. What's your take on its significance? Curator: Notman's studio played a crucial role in shaping Canadian identity through portraiture. How does this image, with its subject's attire and pose, reflect societal expectations and aspirations of the time? Editor: It seems to reinforce a certain class, doesn't it? Curator: Exactly. Notman's portraits often served to solidify the status of the elite, contributing to the visual culture that reinforced social hierarchies. What do you think is the role of photography in either challenging or perpetuating social norms? Editor: It's fascinating how a simple portrait can reveal so much about the society it was created in. Curator: Indeed, understanding the historical context helps us decode the layered meanings embedded within the image.