John Adams (1735-1826) 1793

Editor: This is John Trumbull’s portrait of John Adams, painted in oil on canvas. It feels very formal and posed. What strikes you about it? Curator: I'm interested in the materiality of this portrait. The canvas and pigments, sourced and prepared by laborers, speak to a complex economy. How does the commodity status of paint itself influence our reading of Adams' power? Editor: So, the portrait isn’t just about Adams, but also about the system that allowed its creation? Curator: Precisely. The very act of painting becomes a demonstration of wealth and social standing. Editor: I never thought about it that way before! Thanks.