Lincoln Discussion Symposium

A photography blog called Petapixel carries an interesting examination of the Gardner photographs of Lewis Powell. Betty Ownsbey is referenced here.

The Would-Be Assassin and the Camera
Analyzing the hauntingly-modern portrait of Lincoln assassination co-conspirator Lewis Powell

http://petapixel.com/2013/10/25/assassin-camera/

Hauntingly modern-looking portrait, indeed!

I still can't get over how, in the Navy issue undershirt and pants, he looks like any modern college kid in a sweat suit. Mr. Hall used to say, "You could pick that kid up, put him on any modern day college campus and he'd blend right in."

It's amazing - especially the colorized versions of the portraits -

Interesting assessment, but I came away feeling like Powell was just psycho-analyzed by a 21st-century psychologist.

I read through the comments also and laughed at the few that commented on the correct use of "hanged" and "hung." That is one of the first lessons that our guides at the museum are taught. I also hope that Betty doesn't read the last comment related strictly to Powell; she will not like it.

I read this, and missed it. What was the point the author was trying to make?

This is nothing but Powell being psychoanalyzed by a 21st century analyst. I don't read into it what the author does, but what do I know about psychoanalysts? It's not my thing....as for the last comment...to each his own -


Since Lew looks so "modern" - I thought I'd mock up my own rendition -

That's great Betty, but shouldn't it be a Boston hat since they will be taking the series tonight. I can't blame Powell for not supporting any of the teams in FL. Oh wait, he is. Seminole fan.

I like the headphones best.

(10-30-2013 12:49 PM)BettyO Wrote: [ -> ]This is nothing but Powell being psychoanalyzed by a 21st century analyst. I don't read into it what the author does, but what do I know about psychoanalysts? It's not my thing....as for the last comment...to each his own -


Since Lew looks so "modern" - I thought I'd mock up my own rendition -

Haha Betty you should have put the Abercrombie moose logo on his shirt rather than "SF"

(10-30-2013 11:32 AM)BettyO Wrote: [ -> ]Hauntingly modern-looking portrait, indeed!

I still can't get over how, in the Navy issue undershirt and pants, he looks like any modern college kid in a sweat suit. Mr. Hall used to say, "You could pick that kid up, put him on any modern day college campus and he'd blend right in."

It's amazing - especially the colorized versions of the portraits -

It's uncanny, isn't it? He also has a very modern haircut and none of the exaggerated beard and/or mustache typical for his time. He kind of reminds me of a young Abercrombie and Fitch model in that photo... He'd fit right in for sure.