I watched the Robert Redford directed film "The Conspirator" tonight. The story dealt with the trial of Mary Surrat and her eventual execution by hanging with 3 men involved in President Abraham Lincoln's assassination.
This photo of one of the jailed conspirators Lewis Payne by civil war photographer Alexander Gardner I have always found powerful. There is bewildering beauty in Payne's youthful defiance and acceptance of his fate. Gardner made 3 different exposures. In 2 of the photos Payne ignores the photographer, in the best one the 3rd he confronts Gardner.
Tbe greatness and power of photography is displayed once again.
This photo of one of the jailed conspirators Lewis Payne by civil war photographer Alexander Gardner I have always found powerful. There is bewildering beauty in Payne's youthful defiance and acceptance of his fate. Gardner made 3 different exposures. In 2 of the photos Payne ignores the photographer, in the best one the 3rd he confronts Gardner.
Tbe greatness and power of photography is displayed once again.
 |
Lewis Payne by Alexander Gardner 1865 |
