AA-2026-3E5580
On the image
This English Setter appears to be deep in contemplation, or perhaps just momentarily blinded by the bright flash, a common side effect of 1970s indoor pet photography. Owners of the era often believed their animals appreciated being perfectly still for these impromptu sessions, despite all evidence to the contrary.
Its long, distinctive coat, probably brushed only when company was expected, frames a face that conveys an advanced understanding of disappointment. The commitment to capturing a 'memorable' pet image often superseded the pet's actual enjoyment of the process.
The dimly lit domestic setting, punctuated by the harsh camera flash, is typical of home life when photographic technology made every picture an event. This particular dog seems to be questioning all of its life choices leading up to this moment.
The historian's note
This image captures an English Setter, a popular dog breed known for its distinctive speckled coat and long, feathered fur. The photograph, dating to the 1970s, exemplifies amateur domestic photography of the period, characterized by the widespread use of on-camera flash. This lighting technique often resulted in harsh illumination, strong shadows, and occasional red-eye, challenges common to home photographers before the advent of more sophisticated automatic cameras and ambient light capabilities.
The scene is an interior domestic setting, consistent with common practices of photographing family pets within the home environment. Such images provide a glimpse into everyday life and the relationships between people and their companion animals during the mid-to-late 20th century.
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English Setter Portrait, 1970s. 1970–1979. Archive & Atlas, Historical Image Library, AA-2026-3E5580. https://thearchive.archiveandatlas.com/library/english-setter-portrait-1970s.
@misc{aaAA20263E5580,
title = {English Setter Portrait, 1970s},
year = {1970–1979},
howpublished = {Archive \& Atlas, Historical Image Library},
note = {Accession AA-2026-3E5580},
url = {https://thearchive.archiveandatlas.com/library/english-setter-portrait-1970s}
}TY - ART TI - English Setter Portrait, 1970s PY - 1970–1979 PB - Archive & Atlas, Historical Image Library AN - AA-2026-3E5580 UR - https://thearchive.archiveandatlas.com/library/english-setter-portrait-1970s ER -
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