General Joseph Bloomfield 1777

Charles Willson Peale, a painter known for his portraits of leading figures in the American Revolution, painted this portrait of General Joseph Bloomfield. Peale’s portrait captures the likeness of Bloomfield, an officer and politician, and places him within a visual language of power and status. Bloomfield’s gaze and formal attire speak to the tradition of depicting leaders as symbols of authority. But what does it mean to represent someone in a position of power who benefits from systems that oppress others? Peale was interested in elevating his sitters, imbuing them with an aura of importance. But we might also think about whose stories are not told in these portraits, and how race, gender, and class intersect to shape who is remembered and celebrated in our histories. As you look, consider how art can both reflect and shape societal values.