Touching Visions: Afterword
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[1] Durham University
Durham University
Reino Unido
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- Localización: Nuncius: annali di storia della scienza, ISSN 0394-7394, Vol. 39, Nº. 2, 2024 (Ejemplar dedicado a: Special issue: touching visions intersensoriality and gender in the history of science), págs. 444-450
- Idioma: inglés
- Enlaces
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Resumen
An exquisite double portrait from 1872 brings the themes of this special issue into focus. It depicts Henry Fawcett (1833–1884), who had become blind as a result of an accident in early adulthood, accompanied by his wife Millicent, née Garrett (1847–1929).They are both seated, her arm around his shoulders, their left hands entwined. His lowered eyelids and sunken eyes offer hints to viewers concerning his loss of sight. In any case, her protective arm and downward gaze alert us to her supportive role, perhaps as an amanuensis, given that paper and a writing implement are present. The picture, by the prominent artist Ford Madox Brown (1821–1893), offers a touching vision of care, companionship and coupledom. Beholders see the absence of sight. They apprehend not only the tactile qualities of paint, but the manner in which two gendered bodies are touching as well as textured materials, such as hair, clothing and upholstery fabric. To further direct viewers’ attention to the nature of touch, the forefinger of Henry’s right hand is extended as if he were about to touch the piece of paper that forms one of the bridges between the two figures. Since his lips are slightly parted, he might be emphasising a point.
