Charles William Eliot (1834-1926) 1909

Curator: This is Charles Sydney Hopkinson's portrait of Charles William Eliot, who was president of Harvard for forty years. Editor: It's quite somber, isn't it? The browns and dark tones give it a serious, almost academic, air. Curator: Hopkinson painted many portraits of the Boston elite. Looking at Eliot, it's impossible not to consider his controversial legacy. Editor: There is a lovely contrast between the texture of his jacket and the sheen on the inkwell. Did Hopkinson use glazing to achieve that effect? Curator: Eliot modernized Harvard but also upheld discriminatory admissions policies, underscoring how institutions can perpetuate inequality. Editor: Hopkinson really captured the man's presence through his delicate brushwork. It's a study in subtle tonal variations. Curator: Indeed. This portrait acts as a reminder to consider the complex narratives behind even the most esteemed figures. Editor: A fascinating interplay between light and shadow, and the legacy of a man. I see so much in this.