Robert Gould Shaw Memorial c. 1973 - 2008

This gelatin silver print of the Robert Gould Shaw Memorial was made by Richard Benson, a master of photographic printing, who sadly passed away in 2017. Benson’s choice of gelatin silver is telling. This process, refined over decades, renders the monument's bronze figures in shades of gray, emphasizing the weight and texture of the sculpted forms. Note the rough-hewn surfaces and the deep shadows that define the soldiers’ faces. These are not idealized heroes, but men hardened by war. The original monument was made with considerable human effort, requiring the labor of many artisans. Benson’s photograph is an act of translation, transforming a monumental sculpture into an object of intimate contemplation. In doing so, Benson reminds us that every artwork, regardless of its scale or medium, is the product of human hands, skill, and intention. By focusing on the materiality of the image, we can appreciate the complex layers of meaning embedded within it.