Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807-1882) 1870 - 1875

Curator: Here we have William Notman's photographic portrait of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Editor: It feels very formal, almost staged, with a soft, dreamy quality. I wonder about the constructed image of poets at the time. Curator: Notman was known for his studio portraits, catering to a specific clientele. Consider the societal expectations of prominent figures like Longfellow. How were they presented to the public? Editor: Exactly. Was this how Longfellow truly saw himself, or was it a carefully crafted persona reflecting societal ideals of the intellectual elite? The bow tie almost feels performative. Curator: The photograph aimed to project an image of respectability and intellectual gravitas, influencing public perception. It’s a fascinating intersection of art, identity, and societal expectation. Editor: It makes you wonder about the real person behind the image, and how power shapes how we perceive even a poet. Curator: Indeed. This image serves as a fascinating entry point to explore how image-making shapes legacies.