Henry Schofield (1866-1918) 1886 - 1887

Editor: Here we have a cabinet card photograph, "Henry Schofield," created by Pach Brothers. What strikes me is the formality of the portrait; it feels very staged. What do you make of it? Curator: It's interesting how photography, in its early days, emulated the conventions of painting, particularly portraiture, to gain social acceptance. This controlled pose and the subtle retouching speak to a desire to present a certain image of respectability and social standing. How do you think the rise of photography democratized portraiture? Editor: I hadn't considered that! It’s fascinating to think about photography as a tool for social mobility. Thanks for pointing that out. Curator: Indeed. It reveals much about societal values and aspirations.