Washington c. 19th century

Curator: This is Thomas B. Welch’s portrait of George Washington. The absence of color lends such gravity to his expression. Editor: The lithographic process, the layering of ink to create that subtle shading, it speaks of a rising middle class and accessible art. Curator: You’re right, it makes me think about the democratization of the American image. What does it mean to see a hero mass-produced? Does it cheapen it? Editor: Not necessarily. The artist’s labor becomes more visible. It’s not just about the subject, but also the means to represent him. The craft is democratized! Curator: I see your point. It's a dance between reverence and accessibility, and Welch captures that beautifully here. Editor: Exactly, the industrial process meets the iconic image, a new art for a new republic.