James Barry 

Gilbert Stuart, the famous American portraitist, painted this portrait of James Barry. Stuart was operating in a world that was quickly changing, with the American Revolution and the rise of a new republic. This portrait provides an interesting look into the construction of identity and representation during this period. Barry’s presence in the portrait is presented with an emphasis on his social standing. His clothing, powdered wig, and composed demeanor all speak to the values of the upper class. But what does this say about the artist and the sitter, and the world that they inhabited? How are they complicit in creating and maintaining those social hierarchies? Stuart’s strategic use of light and shadow enhances Barry’s face and the details of his garments, which highlights the performative aspect of identity. It serves as a reminder of the careful curation involved in self-representation, inviting us to consider the power dynamics inherent in portraiture.