Portret van James Law before 1881

This is a portrait of James Law, Mayor of Bradford, made by Appleton & Co. around 1867. The photograph captures Law in a moment of contemplation at his desk. Notice how the composition emphasizes a play of light and shadow across his face and hands, drawing our attention to his expression and posture. The sepia tone lends a sense of gravity and timelessness, reinforcing the image's formal qualities. The arrangement creates a sense of depth, inviting the viewer to reflect on the character and role of Law. We can see how this approach engages with contemporary notions of representation, where the structure and texture of an image contribute to its symbolic weight. This portrait can be interpreted through the lens of semiotics, where Law, by engaging with the formal conventions of portraiture, communicates ideas about civic duty and personal virtue. The portrait stands not just as an image but as a complex cultural artifact.