Father and Sons

Tina Barney photographs wealthy families in their home and work environments, as seen in this striking example. Using a large-format camera and studio lights, Barney waits for a resonant moment in the interaction between her subjects, and then asks them to hold their positions. The result is an interesting blend of document and artistic arrangement. In this image of an Italian aristocrat and his two sons, power seems to be a central theme. We are keenly aware of the father’s dominant role through his positioning within the picture and the objects at his elbow. The sumptuous interior and suave posture of the two sons in the background creates a narrative that feels familiar, as if we are watching a family drama play out. More than mere documents of a particular way of life, Barney’s images are also psychological portraits that explore the roles people play and the relationships between them.