Charles Sumner (1811-1874) 1856

Editor: Here we have Wellman Morrison's portrait of Charles Sumner, a stately man rendered in muted tones. It feels very formal, almost severe. What do you make of it? Curator: It makes me think of a carefully constructed public image. The subdued palette, the deliberate pose, it all speaks to a desire for respectability. Almost like a mask he wore. Do you get that sense? Editor: I do, now that you mention it. The somber colors add to that feeling. So, the portrait tells us more than just what he looked like? Curator: Absolutely! It whispers secrets about the man, the artist, and the society that shaped them both. It's like a visual poem. Editor: I’ll never look at portraits the same way again!