Col. Burns, Son of the Poet
David Octavius Hill
British, 1802–1870
1843-48
A carbon print (printed c.1920) by David Octavius Hill of a seated, contemplative man, intended to use the camera to reveal the sitter’s character and dignity.
You’re struck by the warm sepia and soft focus that isolate the thoughtful pose—hand to temple, downcast eyes, and a patterned waistcoat—set against a shadowed, intimate backdrop.
Made in photography’s early decades, this work exemplifies Hill’s pioneering approach to using photographic portraiture to convey psychological presence and helped argue for photography’s place among the fine arts.
Medium
Carbon print, printed c. 1920
Dimensions
8 × 5 7/8" (20.3 × 14.9 cm)
Classification
Department
Credit
Gift of Warner Communications, Inc.
Accession
673.1976
Palette
Exhibitions
