Frederic Bayard Winthrop (1868-1932) c. 1909

Editor: This is Joseph DeCamp's portrait of Frederic Bayard Winthrop. It's a somber, monochromatic painting. What strikes me is the materiality, the way the paint seems to absorb light. How do you interpret this work? Curator: Let's consider the social context. DeCamp, part of the Boston School, often portrayed upper-class figures. The sitter's attire and the painting's somber tones might reflect the values and aspirations tied to labor, status, and class that DeCamp and his patrons aimed to convey. What does Winthrop's subtle holding of a possible writing tool convey about labor or status? Editor: I see. So, it’s less about individual personality and more about constructing an image of class through the means of production? Curator: Precisely. The materiality, the style – all contribute to reinforcing a social narrative.