George Washington (1732-1799) c. 1793

Curator: Here we have John Trumbull's portrait of George Washington, currently residing at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It strikes me as an image of immense control, every brushstroke holding back emotion, a mask carefully constructed. Curator: Trumbull, born in 1756, captures Washington in a way that reflects his era's understanding of leadership—stoic, reserved, almost godlike. Editor: Those powdered wigs! A fascinating symbol, not just of status, but of transformation, of consciously crafting an identity. Curator: Indeed. This isn't just a likeness; it's an icon. Trumbull immortalizes Washington, shaping the image that would resonate through generations. Editor: It's interesting, isn't it? How an image can dictate the very narrative of a person, a country even, long after they're gone. The burden of symbolism. Curator: And the weight of those symbols still lingers, impacting our contemporary cultural identity. I'm so glad to see this piece continues to inspire discussion.