The Jolly Nose c. 19th century

Editor: This is William Henry Hunt’s *The Jolly Nose*. It's a small watercolor piece. The subject's expression seems almost…mocking. What do you see in it? Curator: I see a satire on class, poking fun at the perceived excesses of the upper crust through caricature. Do you think his exaggerated features challenge societal norms? Editor: I hadn’t thought of it that way. I was focused on the face. Curator: Consider how artists used portraiture to comment on social status. Does this subvert traditional portraiture? Editor: It definitely feels different from formal portraits I’ve seen. Thanks, I now see it's making a statement about social hierarchy.