Portrait of Gavin Struthers - Thomas Annan

A nineteenth-century carbon print portrait of Gavin Struthers by the Scottish photographer Thomas Annan.

This photographic reproduction captures the likeness of Gavin Struthers, a figure of the mid-nineteenth century. Thomas Annan, a Scottish photographer based in Glasgow, produced this work during a period when photography began to replace traditional methods of portrait documentation. The image originates from a collection of portraits, demonstrating the technical precision Annan applied to his subjects.

The composition follows the conventions of formal portraiture. The subject is presented in a bust-length view, with a focus on the facial features and the attire of the era. The lighting is controlled, creating a subtle contrast between the subject and the background. This approach allows for a clear record of the individual, typical of the documentary style Annan employed throughout his career.

Annan is recognised for his ability to translate the tonal qualities of painted portraits into the medium of carbon printing. This process provided a stable and durable result, which was highly valued for archival purposes. The clarity of the print reflects the advancements in photographic chemistry during the 1860s. By documenting figures such as Struthers, Annan contributed to the visual history of Scottish society. The work remains a primary source for those studying the appearance and dress of the period. The presentation within a book format suggests its original purpose as part of a larger biographical or historical record, intended for reference and preservation.