The Observatory; Thereza Llewelyn 1853 - 1856

Editor: Here we have a combined portrait and landscape photograph, "The Observatory; Thereza Llewelyn," created sometime between 1853 and 1856 by John Dillwyn Llewelyn. The tonal range creates a dream-like softness. What’s your read on this fascinating work? Curator: It's critical to understand the materiality of early photography to appreciate works like this. Consider the process: each print requiring specialized chemistry and laborious darkroom techniques. These aren’t just images; they’re artifacts of specific labor and expertise. The collodion process itself was quite involved and defined what was possible aesthetically at that time. Editor: Right, photography wasn’t as simple as point and shoot. It’s almost like a craft tradition. Curator: Exactly. The choice to combine a domestic interior portrait with an exterior landscape underscores social dynamics. Notice the split: Thereza Llewelyn confined indoors and an outdoor building shown as though it is an accomplishment. Editor: Interesting! Is the fact that he photographed family instead of taking a more commercial approach important? Curator: Absolutely! The Llewelyns were wealthy, and John Dillwyn Llewelyn's decision to use photography in this domestic context speaks to the material conditions allowing for artistic exploration outside market pressures. The social circles and capital supporting such ventures become as important as the images themselves. This piece embodies more than a pretty picture. It’s an item which represents power structures that favored only a few in its era. Editor: That makes me appreciate the photograph on a whole new level! It's not just a nice landscape and portrait; it’s about understanding the process and the power dynamics that enabled it.