Captain Thomas Coram 1796

Curator: This is William Nutter's engraving of Captain Thomas Coram, now residing at the Harvard Art Museums. He's seated, surrounded by maritime tools and symbols of knowledge. Editor: There's a sense of authority in the way he’s portrayed. It feels very... deliberate, down to the placement of that globe. Curator: Absolutely. Coram was deeply invested in philanthropic work, specifically related to abandoned children in London. The maritime tools reference his career. We can see how class and gender intersect. Editor: And his attire! You can see the buttons, the buckle on his shoes, and it speaks to a certain degree of material comfort and access. It also points towards mercantile trade relations with London at the time. Curator: The image was created to celebrate him, aiming to inspire further donations to the Foundling Hospital. Think about the politics of representation at play here and the socio-economic factors that influence charity. Editor: Seeing those objects, from the navigational tools to his very garments, I'm reminded of all the labor and industry required to produce this image and to support Coram’s status. Curator: It offers us a glimpse into the complex interplay of identity, philanthropy, and the systems of power in 18th-century society. Editor: Indeed, seeing the layers within this artwork opens up new avenues for exploring Coram's world and the world of the printer Nutter.