Issues and Context: 19th century art
This week’s web activity is an opportunity to explore an important moment or theme in the shifting production, consumption, and aesthetics of art during the 19th century
Think for a moment about the following prompts, then select the ONE that most interests you and write a short essay (aim for at least 2 paragraphs in length) response — you will need to conduct a little research to address the prompt. Be sure to cite the authoritative / credible / high quality sources you consult.
OPTION 1
The photograph has historically been viewed as an authentic, factual representation of truth. And yet, from its early development, photography had a tenuous relationship with “fact.” Photographers could manipulate their images.
Discuss the tenuous relationship that exists between photography and factuality in 19th century photographs using these images by Alexander Gardner and Julia Margaret Cameron.
Discuss how the invention of photography influenced art and vice versa.
PHOTO IMAGE: Sullivan’s Home of a Rebel Sharpshooter, 1863 IMAGE: A page from Gardner’s Photographic Sketchbook of the War, v.1, 1863
(photo) Timothy O’Sullivan, The Home of the Rebel Sharpshooter: Battle Field at Gettysburg, 1863 (Image: https://art.nelson-atkins.org/objects/50251/home-of-a-rebel-sharpshooter-at-battle-of-gettysburg)
(bookplate) [Alexander] Gardner’s Photographic Sketchbook of the War, v.1, 1863 (Image: https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/283195)
IMAGE: Photo of Thomas Carlyle by Julia Margaret Cameron, 1867 PHOTO IMAGE: Julia Margaret Cameron’s “I Wait” 1872
LEFT: Julia Margaret Cameron, Portrait of Thomas Carlyle, 1867 (Image: https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/269434)
RIGHT: Julia Margaret Cameron, I Wait (Rachel Gurney), 1872 (Image: https://www.getty.edu/art/collection/objects/58718/julia-margaret-cameron-i-wait-rachel-gurney-british-1872/)
