Untitled (bust length portrait of clean shaven man labeled Frederick Gore King, A.B. 1875)) 1874 - 1875

Curator: This is an untitled portrait, but labeled as Frederick Gore King, A.B. 1875, created by William Notman, a prominent photographer of the 19th century. Editor: It's striking how the oval vignette isolates his figure, creating a sense of formality and maybe even vulnerability through that soft, almost dreamlike quality. Curator: Notman ran studios in Canada and the US, capturing a rapidly changing society. Portraits like these reflect the rising middle class and their aspirations of social mobility through institutions like Harvard. Editor: The composition is rather simple, yet the subtle tonal range in the sepia tones adds depth. The light seems strategically placed to highlight the contours of his face, giving him a distinguished presence. Curator: Exactly, photography in this era was becoming more accessible, but a portrait still carried significant weight. It was a carefully constructed representation, reinforcing social standing. Editor: Looking at it now, I’m struck by how much these photographs speak about capturing fleeting moments, and the desire to preserve a legacy—a common human desire, regardless of era.