Isaac O'Brien L. McPherson 1823

Charles Fraser painted this watercolor on ivory miniature portrait of Isaac O'Brien L. McPherson. Fraser, working in the early 19th century, was well known for his small portraits of elite members of Charleston society. The artwork offers a glimpse into the visual culture of the American upper class. Isaac is depicted with soft features, wearing a navy coat and white frilled shirt, which speaks to the fashion and social status of the time. It is important to remember that these refined portraits often existed in a society deeply divided by race and class. The wealth that supported the lifestyle of the Mcpherson family and others of their class was often directly tied to the labor and oppression of enslaved people. Consider the stories that aren't immediately visible: what histories are subtly present but not explicitly told in this carefully crafted image? How does viewing this artwork today invite us to reflect on the complexities of American history, identity, and representation?