About this artwork

John Muir Wood was a piano maker and music publisher with an amateur interest in photography. He created more than 900 photographs, including a small number of self portraits. Here, he is holding a photographic printing frame. Wood’s pursuit of photography was not indicative of any commercial operation, so his decision to portray himself with this specific object is of particular note. Although a new medium, photography typically followed the conventions of portraiture; the subject was often shown with attributes associated with a chosen profession. In Wood’s case one might have assumed that his portrait would allude to his musical background, yet, instead, he has chosen to align himself with photography.

Updated before 2020

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John Muir Wood

John Muir Wood