Sir George de Lacy Evans (1787-1870), General, Taken at the Crimea 1855

Curator: This is a gelatin silver print by Roger Fenton, taken in 1855 during the Crimean War. The image captures Sir George de Lacy Evans, a British General. Editor: He looks rather tired, doesn't he? The sepia tone adds a sort of historical haze, but also seems to emphasize the weariness in his face. And is that the suggestion of dirt under his fingernails, adding more credibility? Curator: I agree. Beyond its function as a portrait, this work signifies Victorian ideals of heroism tempered by the harsh realities of war. Consider the medals he wears. They are symbols of honor and sacrifice within the theatre of conflict, representing significant values to his community back home. Editor: The stark contrast between his ornate uniform and that backdrop --what is that, wrinkled fabric, or something like painted clouds?-- is pretty jarring, actually. I notice too how the sharp lines of his garments really give structure to what seems to me to be a rather poorly composed piece. There is just too much unexposed film! Curator: I read that Fenton wanted to paint an honest depiction of a prominent leader, reflecting on what were understood to be the challenges of warfare. He photographed many leaders during the Crimean War, as a visual record. This image resonates with earlier images of noble soldiers, with emphasis given to an individual rather than generalized notions of heroism. Editor: But did it have to be so unflattering? Maybe the man *was* tired, and it's not Fenton's job to prettify history, I suppose. This depiction almost verges on the unglamorous or even the antiheroic, right down to his posture. It does make you wonder what Evans actually thought of this portrait. Curator: Perhaps the photograph succeeds because it reveals more than the general wished to show. It challenges preconceived notions of duty, achievement and valor that become hollow amidst war’s actual struggles. Editor: Seeing his fatigue amidst all that official pomp, does force a person to acknowledge the human cost of grand historical narratives. That this one exposure so plainly portrays its subject's world-weariness makes it quite unique.