Portret van Hugh Hanna before 1891

This small portrait depicts Hugh Hanna, though the artist and exact date remain unknown. During the time this portrait was likely made, the act of portraiture was often tied to status and legacy. Consider the power dynamics at play: Hanna, a figure of prominence, chose to have his likeness captured, thus reinforcing his position in society. This image invites us to consider the complex intersections of representation, power, and identity. What narratives are being told, and perhaps more importantly, what narratives are being omitted? What aspects of Hanna's identity were he keen to portray? While seemingly straightforward, this portrait acts as a reminder of the selective nature of historical representation. We are left to ponder the stories behind the image, and the lives of those not deemed worthy of such commemoration.