The artwork titled “Arthur Hugues,” created by the artist Lewis Carroll in 1863, is a photograph that belongs to the Pictorialism art movement. Pictorialism was a movement that emphasized the beauty of subject matter, tonality, and composition rather than focusing on the documentation of reality. This genre of photo aims to project the scene or subject in an artistic manner.
In the artwork, a young boy, presumably Arthur Hugues, is captured in a candid pose against a backdrop of an aged brick wall. The boy is depicted with a thoughtful expression, glancing to the side, which conveys a sense of contemplation or introspection. He is dressed in what appears to be a Victorian-era outfit, with a formal, collared shirt, a tie, and a textured overcoat. The boy’s hair is tousled, adding to the naturalism of the portrait.
In his hands, he holds what looks like a woven straw hat, suggesting a casual or outdoor setting for the photograph. The curvature of the hat and the pattern of the weave add interesting textural details to the composition. The use of light and shadow in the photograph is subtle, creating a gentle contrast that enhances the contours of the subject’s face and clothing.
The photo’s aesthetics are typical of the Pictorialist style, aiming to create an evocative and emotive image that transcends the mere capture of a moment in time. The handwritten inscription at the bottom of the artwork, identifying the subject, offers a personal touch that connects the viewer with both the subject and the artist. The rounded corners of the photograph contribute to the softness of the overall image, which is characteristic of Pictorialist work intended to evoke painting-like qualities.
