Morris M. Estee (U.S. delegate) 1889 - 1890

Editor: Here we have Mathew Brady’s portrait of Morris M. Estee, a U.S. delegate. The albumen print is quite striking, but I'm curious about the social implications of its production. What do you see in this piece? Curator: This photograph is more than a simple depiction. Consider Brady's studio: a commercial enterprise, employing numerous individuals in the making of celebrity. The materiality of the photograph itself – the paper, the chemicals, the labor involved – all contribute to its meaning. How does understanding this change your perception of Estee's portrayal? Editor: That's a very insightful way to approach it, framing it within the context of production and labor. It makes me consider the power dynamics inherent in image-making during that era. Thanks! Curator: Precisely. Focusing on materiality allows us to unpack the socio-economic systems at play behind even the simplest portrait.