Estudio Witcomb & Freitas

The photographer of English origin based in Argentina, Alejandro S. Witcomb (1835-1905), needed to elevate the artistic prestige of his brand. The solution was to associate himself with his talented Portuguese colleague, José Virginio Freitas Henriques (1851-1928), better known as Freitas. In 1884, they formed the partnership Witcomb & Freitas. At the age of thirty-four, the Portuguese had the reputation of his father, José Christiano de Freitas Henriques Junior (known as Christiano Junior), and a well-deserved fame in the field of portraiture. Interestingly, through this partnership, Freitas returned to work at his father's old studio at Florida 208, city of Buenos Aires, which he had managed for the last six years. He was familiar with the house, the preferences of his distinguished clientele, and contributed all his creativity. The studio offered clients all the formats used at the time: carte de visite, portrait cabinet, promenade, boudoir, and the grand imperial. The studio was a meeting place for high society. Families like Chopitea, Senillosa, Martínez de Hoz, scientists like Carlos Spegazzini, and other illustrious figures passed through its doors. The street numbering in Buenos Aires changed once again, and Florida 208 became Florida 364. The partnership Witcomb & Freitas lasted only about two years. By 1887, Witcomb was leading his own photography studio for the first time and under his sole responsibility.