George R. Shaw 1869

Here, we see two photographic portraits of George R. Shaw in an album, created by an anonymous artist using paper and photographic emulsion. The material qualities of these photographs offer insight into the intersection of labor, class, and emerging industrial processes of the time. Photography in the 19th century relied on the labor-intensive preparation and manipulation of light-sensitive materials. The gelatin silver process seen here, while relatively advanced for its time, still required careful coating, exposure, and development. Each step was subject to variations in temperature, humidity, and chemical purity, demanding skilled expertise to achieve a clear image. The act of commissioning a portrait was an economic privilege, reflecting the sitter’s social standing and financial resources. While photography democratized image-making to some extent, it still required access to specialized equipment and knowledge, highlighting the social and economic divides of the era. This album thus represents both a personal archive and a reflection of broader societal structures, with material and process deeply entwined.