Washington c. 19th century

Curator: This is "Washington," a portrait by Joseph Andrews, held here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It's a rather stern likeness, isn't it? Very formally composed. Curator: Yes, but consider the context of portrait engravings. They were key to circulating images, shaping public perception of figures like Washington. It democratized access to portraits. Editor: And the labor involved! Look at the detail; it's so finely rendered. One can only imagine the skill needed to produce something like this repeatedly. It speaks to the value placed on craft. Curator: Exactly. And the circulation of this image would have reinforced particular ideas about leadership and American identity. Editor: I hadn't considered its function as a tool of image management. Thanks, I see it differently now.