William Shirley, Governor of Massachusetts 1747

Curator: We're now looking at a print from 1747 depicting William Shirley, Governor of Massachusetts. It's a work by Peter Pelham, showcasing Shirley in a formal, Baroque style. What are your initial impressions? Editor: Stately! My first thought goes to powdered wigs and power. It's formal, yeah, but I immediately zoom in on that pointing finger. What's he pointing at? A fleet of ships, right? Suddenly it feels less about lace cuffs and more about strategy, and…possibilities. Curator: Absolutely. The fleet likely represents his involvement in military campaigns, particularly in Nova Scotia and Cape Breton, as the inscription details his role in preserving Nova Scotia and reducing the Island of Breton back to British rule. The gesture, the fleet – potent symbols. Editor: See, I find the staging fascinating. There’s almost a theatrical quality to the backdrop with that curtain, combined with his decisive gesture towards what looks like some seriously choppy water filled with boats…it suggests a narrative is playing out. One he's directing, naturally. Curator: That theatricality underscores his authority, but it also speaks to the Baroque love of drama and grand presentation. William Shirley, the man, wanted to craft a certain image of strength, control, and destiny. Editor: So, it's propaganda, almost? Elegant, sure, but with a purpose? And I notice all that script at the bottom – are those his own words? Curator: To a degree, all portraits of figures of power are propaganda. It highlights their virtues and downplays anything that would diminish their authority. The script contains text offering grateful acknowledgements to merchants and gentlemen in Boston for their roles in this… preservation and reduction. So a carefully constructed political message then. Editor: Hmm, very curated gratitude. All those ships and bluster in contrast to this rather contained little drawing… I like the subtle contradiction. He’s on display, almost pinned. It highlights this curious interplay between outward authority and maybe some inward…restraint? I suppose history does restrain us all. Curator: Well said. It’s a multi-layered artifact, offering insight into individual ambition, political strategy, and artistic trends of the time. The ships on the horizon promise journeys and conquests, all held together on one piece of paper. Editor: Exactly! Thank you for pointing out so many undercurrents to read into that bold pose and imperious gesture!