Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Sir John


Look at this portrait. It's incredible. This guy just drips intensity. This is Sir John Herschel, a man of many, many talents, not the least of which was photography - he invented the Cyanotype process among many other things. He also named seven of Saturn's moons, performed experiments in optics and botany, and somehow found the time to father 12 children.

But it's this 1867 photograph of him that I think is so great. The impact, the lighting and shadows, are all perfect for such an enigmatic and crusty old character.

And that hat.

5 comments:

Unknown said...

great pic ..... u're right!

Dennis said...

The photographer deserves some recognition too. Julia Margaret Cameron was obsessed with the art, and it shows.

Dave said...

I actually plan to do a post about this photographer one day, she's one of my favorites.

Alisa said...

Great picture. But no offense to your dude, here, he looks a little too crazy to have done all that. Maybe it was the 12 kids and no sleep that made him not have time to shave or trim his brows.

wildmary said...

I give his photographer credit for a great photo, I give Sir John credit for all he accomplished, but please, how long does it take to impregnate one's wife 12 times?? I'm certain he would not have accomplished nearly as much if he had to actually raise the children, diapers and all.
Signed,Bitter, single, unaccomplished old woman with cleaner hair than his.