Untitled (Portrait of a Man and a Woman) 1863

This untitled portrait, made by Thomas Faris around the mid-19th century, captures a man and a woman in the formal attire of their time. Their dark clothing and serious expressions speak to the conventions of portraiture, intended to convey a sense of dignity and gravitas. Consider the subtle gesture of the woman’s hand resting on her lap. This seemingly simple pose echoes through centuries of art, reminiscent of depictions of virtuous women in Renaissance paintings, or even the veiled modesty of figures in classical sculpture. It is a gesture that transcends time, carrying with it connotations of restraint, composure, and inner strength. The way the couple presents themselves suggests a conscious effort to project an image of respectability. We can see this desire reflected in countless portraits across different eras. The human impulse to curate our image, to present ourselves in a certain light, is a recurring theme throughout history, and speaks to our shared human experience.