Augustus Hemenway, Jr. (b. 1853) 1874 - 1876

Curator: William Notman's photograph, "Augustus Hemenway, Jr.," offers us a glimpse into the elite circles of late 19th-century Boston. Editor: The tonality is incredibly smooth, focusing attention on the symmetry of the face and the gentle gradient of light. Curator: Indeed. Hemenway's family history is interwoven with the development of Boston and Harvard University, benefiting from trade and land speculation, which also involved benefiting from the exploitation and displacement of indigenous communities. Editor: The oval vignette is beautifully executed, concentrating our gaze. The sepia tones lend the image a timeless quality, but it is also typical of the time. Curator: It's essential to consider the historical power dynamics at play. The photograph, in its formality, reinforces social hierarchies and norms, particularly for families like the Hemenways. Editor: Perhaps. But the composition, with its delicate balance of light and shadow, speaks to a universal desire for lasting representation. Curator: That desire is steeped in privilege. Reflecting on these portraits means acknowledging the complex narratives of wealth and power, especially considering who has historically been excluded from such representation. Editor: It's a fascinating piece, regardless, with much to contemplate about portraiture itself.