Mark Ashworth c. 1855

This image shows a portrait of Mark Ashworth in a case. The image creates meaning through its visual codes, cultural references, and historical associations within its time. Made during a period when photography was becoming more accessible, this portrait reflects the aspirations of middle-class individuals to participate in visual culture. This image speaks to the democratization of portraiture, once a privilege of the wealthy elite, as photography provided a means for a broader segment of society to have their likeness preserved. The subject's attire and pose suggest a desire for respectability and social standing. A detailed analysis might involve researching the fashion trends of the time, as well as the social and economic conditions that shaped the aspirations of individuals like Mark Ashworth. By doing this, we come to understand better the artwork's meaning as something contingent on social and institutional context.