Untitled (bust length portrait of young man with beard, labeled Manley Amsden Raymond, A.B. 1875)) 1874 - 1875

Curator: This portrait by William Notman captures Manley Amsden Raymond, A.B. 1875. The albumen print, mounted on card, speaks to the era's studio portraiture practices. Editor: The sepia tones lend the image a feeling of nostalgia, almost reverie. He appears to be staring off into the distance; the shadow and light suggest contemplation. Curator: Notman’s studio, with branches in Montreal, Toronto, and Halifax, mass-produced these portraits, catering to a burgeoning middle class eager to capture their likeness. The material itself is a social signifier. Editor: Note the beard style – quite fashionable at the time, but also a clear symbol of cultivated masculinity and perhaps even intellectualism, given the subject's academic title. Curator: The card mount provided a standardized format, blurring the lines between individual artistry and industrial production of images. It reflects Victorian society’s emphasis on decorum and presentation. Editor: Yet, this portrait transcends mere documentation. There’s a certain vulnerability in his gaze, a hint of the passage of time that connects us to his humanity, even across centuries. Curator: Indeed, observing the production of these images helps us understand their cultural impact and how they shaped perceptions of identity. Editor: It's striking how one image can convey both a personal narrative and broader cultural themes.