John Wesley c. 19th century

Curator: This is James Thomson's portrait of John Wesley, an important figure in the Methodist movement. It resides here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: There's a formality to the print that reminds me of engraved bank notes, but less about money and more about the weight of belief. I am interested in the paper stock that was used. Curator: Indeed, Wesley was a powerful orator, known for his persuasive preaching that sparked great social change. Editor: Looking at the way his hand hovers over the book, you can practically feel the crispness of the paper, the ink pressed into the page, the hours of labor spent to create such an image. What does the text say below the portrait? Curator: The inscription celebrates Wesley's role as a gifted teacher and founder of Methodism, capturing his lasting legacy on religious and social thought. Editor: Considering how widely such images were disseminated, it speaks volumes about the consumption and material culture surrounding religious figures at the time. Curator: A potent reminder of the visual strategies employed to disseminate faith and social ideologies. Editor: It's a testament to the power of printed imagery in shaping public perception and solidifying religious authority.