Untitled (portrait of man, wearing suit and glasses) c. 1950

Editor: This is an untitled portrait of a man in a suit and glasses by John Howell, currently at the Harvard Art Museums. It's quite striking in its starkness. What stands out to you about it? Curator: This image speaks volumes about the construction of identity and power. The suit, the glasses, the formality—these are all signifiers of a certain social status and intellectual authority that were historically, and still are, predominantly associated with men. Editor: So, you're saying the image reinforces a particular social narrative? Curator: Precisely. The institutional settings where such portraits are typically displayed—museums, universities—further solidify this narrative. How do you think the lack of a specific title impacts our understanding? Editor: Interesting. It makes me wonder if the ambiguity is intentional, perhaps inviting a broader interpretation of male identity. Thanks! Curator: A valuable point. It highlights how even in portraiture, art reflects and shapes societal perceptions.