A nineteenth-century carbon print portrait of Robert Cleghorn by the Scottish photographer Thomas Annan.

This photographic reproduction by Thomas Annan captures the likeness of Robert Cleghorn. Annan, a Scottish photographer based in Glasgow, gained recognition for his technical precision and his documentation of the city's urban environment. This specific work is part of a larger collection, often found within bound volumes that served as visual archives for the period. The image demonstrates the capabilities of the carbon print process, a method favoured during the mid-nineteenth century for its stability and tonal range.

The portrait presents Cleghorn in a formal, bust-length composition. The lighting is directed to model the facial features, creating a clear contrast against the darker background. Such portraits were common in the Victorian era, providing a permanent record of individuals for family records or public archives. Annan's approach to portraiture is direct, focusing on the subject without unnecessary embellishment or theatrical staging. The clarity of the print allows for an examination of the sitter's expression and attire, typical of the mid-Victorian professional class.

As a photographer, Annan was adept at translating the qualities of painted portraits into the photographic medium. This reproduction maintains the gravitas of the original subject, offering a window into the visual culture of nineteenth-century Scotland. The work is presented here as a high-quality fine art print, preserving the original's monochromatic depth and historical character. It is suitable for those interested in the history of photography or the social history of the Victorian period.