Quoted from the Smithsonian's own archival entry: John N. Choate (1848-1902) was a commercial photographer in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. The United States opened its first non-reservation government-supported school there in 1879 under the supervision of Lt. Richard Henry Pratt. Choate photographed almost every student upon arrival and during their school career, as well as school...
• Young (forlorn) man w/ shorn hair and a western suit, unidentified as expected. Even toning to heavy cream w/ light soiling and vertical scratches just above bottom rail. Nick / loss to emulsion affects the boy’s nose.
• Noble profile pose w/ embroidered uniform reminiscent of military schools of the time; the young man is entirely unidentified as expected. Even toning w/ light soiling and foxing. Pin hole top center rail.
• Boys together, likely brothers. One boy suspicious and the other assertive.
___
Overall strong contrast w/ best definition to the boy’s hands against the western suits. Even toning w/ light soiling // scuffing and spot in background / margin.
Bottom rail (two boys) shows water exposure that has separated mount edge and worn bottom right corner.