Josiah J Collection
EDITORS COMMENTSJosiah J: Capturing Boston's History Through the Lens Step back in time to the bustling city of Boston in the mid-19th century
All products are expertly crafted, using premium materials, tailored to your specifications and promptly shipped
EDITORS COMMENTS
Josiah J: Capturing Boston's History Through the Lens Step back in time to the bustling city of Boston in the mid-19th century, where two talented photographers, Josiah Johnson Hawes and Albert Sands Southworth, immortalized its people and places. Their collaboration resulted in a remarkable collection of photographs that provide us with a glimpse into this bygone era. One such photograph showcases a group of distinguished individuals known as the "Boston Doctors. " Taken around 1850, this captivating image captures their serious yet determined expressions, revealing their dedication to medicine during a time when advancements were rapidly being made. In another portrait from the 1850s, we see a young man exuding confidence and sophistication. Dressed in a three-piece suit and bow tie - an epitome of fashion at that time - he embodies elegance captured through Hawes' lens. The view down Brattle Street from Southworth & Hawes Studio offers us an enchanting perspective on daily life in Boston. The street bustles with activity as horse-drawn carriages pass by elegant buildings lining its sides. This photograph transports us to Tremont Row, allowing us to experience what it was like during those years. Hawes also turned his camera towards women's fashion trends of the era. A young woman with her hair styled in two buns stands before his lens; her fashionable attire reflects both elegance and modesty prevalent at that time. Not only did Hawes capture portraits of everyday citizens but also notable figures who shaped history. One such figure is Harriet Beecher Stowe, author of "Uncle Tom's Cabin, " whose powerful words ignited conversations about slavery across America. Venturing beyond portraiture photography, Hawes documented various locations within Boston as well. His photograph showcasing the Sculpture Gallery at the Boston Athenaeum allows us to appreciate artistry displayed within these hallowed halls during ca. 1855.
