Portrait of John Pattison (Photographic Reproduction) - Thomas Annan

A nineteenth-century carbon print by Thomas Annan, documenting a formal portrait of John Pattison.

This work is a photographic reproduction of a painted portrait, captured by the Scottish photographer Thomas Annan. Annan was a significant figure in nineteenth-century photography, known for his technical precision and his documentation of Glasgow. This specific image appears as a plate within a larger bound volume, reflecting the common practice of the era where photography was utilised to catalogue and preserve fine art collections for wider distribution.

The subject, John Pattison, is depicted in a formal manner consistent with the portraiture conventions of the period. The lighting is focused on the face, creating a clear contrast against the darker background of the original painting. Annan used the carbon print process, a method favoured for its stability and ability to render a wide range of tonal values. This technique allowed for a faithful translation of the original oil painting into a monochrome format, preserving the texture and character of the sitter.

Annan's work often bridged the gap between commercial photography and artistic documentation. By reproducing these portraits, he provided a means for the public to engage with historical figures and private collections that were otherwise inaccessible. The composition is straightforward, placing the sitter in a central position to emphasise his features and attire. The inclusion of page numbers within the print indicates its origin as part of a larger archival project or catalogue. This piece offers a glimpse into the intersection of early photographic technology and the traditional art of portraiture, documenting the appearance of individuals through the lens of a skilled practitioner.