History Photograph Analysis Assignment
Sarahhhhh
PhotoAnalysisExample.docx
The photo I chose to analyze is http://docsouth.unc.edu/church/morris/ill311.html. It is from the Church in the Southern Black Community Collection. It shows the Morris family from Helena, Arkansas.
OBSERVE:
The first thing I see is a mother and father with five children. Judging by the way they are posed, the deadpan looks on their faces, and the very high collars on the females’ dresses, this photograph was taken during the Victorian Era. The males are all wearing suits and bow ties. The details in the back of the photo show that it was taken in a studio. It is possible that the back of the photograph lists the individual members of the family, as numbers are written on or near ever person in the image. The mother is sitting on a wicker chair.
REFLECT:
This image, based on image quality, posing, and clothing, was taken during the Victorian Era. Data available with the file says that the man was E. C. Morris, born 1855. This photo was likely taken sometime around 1885, since the oldest boy appears to be about 10 and people married early back then. It is likely that this image was taken to show how successful the man was. He was a black minister in the South after Reconstruction. Opportunities for African Americans were scarce during that time at that place, yet his family is well dressed and he could afford to have a nice portrait of his family taken. Observers can learn about period dress and grooming. Ironically, if this photo were taken today. it most likely would have been taken outside, as it costs more to have your photo taken by a professional away from their studio.
QUESTION:
I wonder just who E. C. Morris was. Were his children as successful and he appears to have been? What church was he minister of? Is the church still in existence?
FURTHER INVESTIGATION:
