The Captain 

David Michael Bowers painted "The Captain" to explore the life and identity of a TWA pilot after his retirement. In the image, a retired captain sits in his armchair with his eyes closed, while his cap rests on the chair next to him. We can understand from this that the artist is commenting on the transition of identity that people experience when they leave the workforce. This transition can be especially strong when a person's career is as central to their identity as it might be for a pilot. As a cultural historian, I would want to explore the history of TWA. I'd examine the significance of the airline industry in American culture. I'd look at the decline of TWA and its impact on the lives of those who worked for the company. Understanding the social and institutional context is essential for interpreting the artwork fully.