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Perhaps no visual medium more than photography has been used in an attempt to read the expressive language of human faces. In the early years, some believed that the camera, an instrument of scientific precision, could capture the true inner character of a sitter. Using the same rationale, others thought that photographs simply reduced subjects to a type. The photographs in this exhibition, ranging from the 1860s to 1990, draw in varying degrees on aspects of both these extremes to create complex portrayals of individuals from all walks of life. Artists range from Nadar, Thomas Eakins, and Gertrude Kasebier to Todd Webb, Louise Dahl-Wolf, and Harry Callahan.
The Museum of Art is dedicating this exhibition to the memory of our friend and collaborator Ruth Bartlett. A “people person” if there ever was one, her cheerful presence and creative assistance with the Museum’s multiple technology challenges will be deeply missed. Ruth's enthusiasm and positive thinking helped us over many potentially rough and fractious patches as if we were all embarked on a great adventure.
Pictured above:
Paul Strand, American, 1890-1976, Tailor's Apprentice, Luzzara, Italy, 1952, gelatin silver print, Museum purchase, Lloyd O. and Marjorie Strong Coulter Fund, 1986.39
