Washington Irving before 1886

Curator: This is a page from a book, featuring a portrait of Washington Irving, dating from before 1886. It’s interesting to see his image paired with a piece of his writing. Editor: Immediately, the material quality of the page stands out. The paper appears handmade, maybe even a personal sketchbook? You can see the texture, the fibers. Curator: Absolutely. It gives you a real sense of connection to the period. The context is key here; we're looking at a moment where print was becoming more widespread, influencing how literature and portraits reached a wider audience. Editor: The typography, that script typeface—it speaks of a slower, more deliberate mode of production, far removed from today's digital fonts. The book shows clear sign of use and wear and tear; you see it is meant for handling, and I wonder about who owned it and under what conditions. Curator: Precisely. This kind of artifact tells us so much about the role of the book as a physical object, circulating within a specific social context. Note the text opposite the portrait, ‘The Mutability of Literature’, its self-aware and reflective. Editor: The pairing highlights a tension between the perceived permanence of literature and its physical fragility. This homemade paper reminds us of the labor and time embedded in these historical works. I am left wondering if this presentation elevated Irving or demystified him? Curator: Good question! Perhaps both. The printing enables distribution, securing a more robust legacy. It presents Irving as author and a celebrity within a rapidly changing society. Editor: Ultimately, the handcrafting, particularly of the paper, contrasts against his looming reputation as an author, adding another layer of consideration about literary legacies. Curator: An insightful observation, linking materiality to evolving ideas of literary status. Thank you.