Henry Willard Williams (1821-1895) 1888

Curator: Here we have Jacob Dutweiler Wagner’s portrait of Henry Willard Williams, currently held in the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: Oh, he looks like a man of serious thoughts. A kind of quiet thunder emanates from that canvas, wouldn’t you agree? Curator: Absolutely. Look closely at the textures—the velvet of the robe, the crispness of his white bow tie. Wagner masterfully uses oil paint to convey the status and materiality of his sitter. Think about the garment-making, the social significance of academic dress. Editor: Yes, and that hand holding a scroll… It speaks of a life dedicated to learning. The red sash hints at passion, but it is tempered by the somber black robes. It’s a carefully balanced composition, really. Curator: Indeed. It’s a study in contrasts. The dark backdrop emphasizes Williams's luminous face and beard, drawing our attention to his gaze. Editor: It makes you wonder about the stories that man could tell, doesn't it? The weight of experience and knowledge somehow captured in paint. Curator: Well, considering the context of the time, it's a fascinating glimpse into the academic elite. Editor: Fascinating, and strangely moving, when you let yourself get lost in it.