Untitled (man with beard, wearing glasses, seated, in uniform, holding sword in left hand) 1866 - 1895

Curator: Here we have an untitled photograph by Mathew Brady, a portrait of a seated man in uniform with a sword. Editor: The sword is interesting, and the uniform imposing, but something about his gaze conveys such weariness. A lot of psychological weight in this small image. Curator: Brady was known for his portraits during the Civil War era. Think about the materials, the albumen print process, the mass production of these images for families... Editor: Exactly, the sword, the uniform, the beard--all are symbols of authority and duty. And the weariness suggests the toll exacted by those ideals. Curator: It makes you wonder, who was he? And what was the social function of circulating his image? Was it about bolstering support for the war? Editor: Perhaps. Or to serve as a memento mori. Looking at his portrait, I'm also reminded of the sacrifices people make, then and now. Curator: A sobering reflection on the human cost of conflict, captured through Brady's particular photographic labor. Editor: Indeed. A quiet echo of history.