Amos Lawrence c. 19th century

Curator: This portrait is by Joseph Andrews, titled "Amos Lawrence," and it resides here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: There's a quiet dignity in this rendering, isn't there? The sitter appears relaxed, yet there's a formality to his pose. Curator: Absolutely. Andrews was active during a pivotal time, and the portrait serves as a window into the power structures of 19th-century Boston. Amos Lawrence himself was a complex figure. Editor: Indeed. His philanthropy is notable, but it's crucial to acknowledge his role in perpetuating systems that benefited from exploitation. Lawrence supported colonization efforts, which is something we can't ignore. Curator: Precisely. By examining Andrews's representation of Lawrence, we can unpack the visual strategies employed to legitimize elite status and the problematic legacies such portraits can uphold. Editor: Thinking about it, this work leaves me pondering the responsibilities that come with influence, both then and now. Curator: A sentiment I wholeheartedly share.