Mrs. Percival Lowell Everett 1864

Editor: Here we have Henry Dexter’s marble bust of Mrs. Percival Lowell Everett. The serene expression and classical drapery give it a timeless feel. What can you tell me about the social context of such a portrait? Curator: Well, portrait busts like this were often commissioned by wealthy families to project an image of refinement and status. The idealization of Mrs. Everett, echoing ancient Greek and Roman sculpture, speaks to a desire for cultural legitimacy. Who got to be remembered, and how, was carefully curated by the elite. Editor: So, it's less about capturing Mrs. Everett's individual personality, and more about reinforcing a social role? Curator: Exactly. The artistic conventions at the time played a crucial role in shaping how women were represented in art and society. It makes you wonder about the agency of the sitter in all of this. Editor: That makes me reconsider my initial reading. I thought it was timeless, but it’s so specifically tied to its time! Curator: Indeed. By understanding that context, we can better understand the politics of imagery.