Samuel Dexter (1726-1810), after John Johnston c. 1814

Curator: This is James Frothingham's portrait of Samuel Dexter, after John Johnston. Dexter, born in 1726, was a prominent figure of his time. Editor: The severity of the image is striking. The somber hues and stern expression suggest a man of considerable gravitas. Curator: Indeed, the darkness can be read as a signifier of power, in this case, linked to the North American colonial elite and its patriarchal structures. The book he holds adds another layer, representing knowledge and authority—access to which was often limited by class and gender. Editor: I see the book more as an attribute—a symbol of wisdom and learning that reflects the sitter's identity. Consider how the artist has meticulously rendered the details of the lace cuff and the soft textures of his skin. These contribute to a sense of dignity and importance. Curator: Yes, but who decides which identities and histories are valued? Think about the socio-political landscape in which this portrait was created. Editor: It is a rather brooding image, isn’t it? So much weight in a single painting. Curator: Exactly, and it's weight we should be conscious of and critically examine.