Timothy Pickering c. 19th century

Curator: Up next, we have Thomas B. Welch’s portrait of Timothy Pickering, residing here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It's striking, this portrait. The stark contrast between the dark coat and the frilly white collar really jumps out. Curator: Absolutely. Welch was quite skilled in the mezzotint technique. It allowed for these subtle gradations of tone, lending a depth that was uncommon at the time. Think about the labor involved in burnishing the copper plate! Editor: It's more than just technique though, isn't it? Pickering looks like he’s about to give a stern lecture. We know he held some really problematic views about Native Americans. Curator: True. The portrait functions as a record of Pickering’s political standing, but the very process of its making involves labor and material conditions of 19th century printmaking. Editor: It's a potent reminder that even the most seemingly straightforward image is loaded with context. Curator: Yes, material processes and cultural narratives intertwine. Food for thought.