Country Politician 1849

Curator: Here we have George Caleb Bingham's 1849 painting, "Country Politician," rendered in oil paint. Editor: Immediately, I get a sense of quiet deliberation, of plotting, even. The dimly lit interior casts long shadows, making the figures seem…well, secretive. Curator: It's certainly evocative, capturing a moment of political engagement in a very specific place and time. Bingham often depicted scenes of American life, and this piece offers a glimpse into the backroom dealings that shape public opinion. Look closely, you will see this room is just a box shape of basic materials and the dress of these characters helps denote what level of society that each person falls. Editor: Exactly. It is fascinating how he stages these gentlemen. The lighting, the postures, it’s all very intentional to express how each figure sees themself or what power they have in that little group. Are they planning a rally, discussing strategy or is someone fixing the next election? It all happens behind the curtains and doors of polite society. Curator: He does use light masterfully, doesn’t he? It guides our eyes and highlights the main characters, particularly the seated men engaged in what looks like serious conversation. This room itself appears to be at some back entrance of a small office building. If you will notice that behind the gentleman seated to the far left of this painting, there are election ads and proclamations on the door behind him, letting the viewers get an insight into where their convictions should lay. Editor: True. And I’m also struck by the presence of the observer, the man standing. He stands and assesses, giving a feel for being an impartial onlooker, yet part of that secret political hubbub, hinting at the constant push and pull between the people and those who seek to lead them. The more that I think on it the more I want to visit these places! I wonder what conversations happened in that space over 150 years? Curator: Bingham was very involved in politics himself. The themes that recur through his work suggest how vital he felt political participation was in society. In the end he even achieved an officer in the military that secured many towns along the Missouri river during the American civil war! This painting serves as a lasting record. Editor: Yes, this gives insight into so many aspects of history and American society! It’s almost cinematic how well Bingham crafted a scene to showcase a quiet yet important, part of small society. Thanks to this look at history I have been invigorated!