Zes portretten van afgestudeerde studenten van Yale University 1895

This is a photographic print of six portraits of Yale University graduates, made by an anonymous artist. The arrangement of the six young men in oval frames presents a very particular vision of American masculinity. Each one is light-skinned, seemingly identical in their class status and aspirations. Looking at this image, it makes me consider what it means to belong, and who gets to belong. It also makes me think of the power and privilege associated with institutions like Yale. What expectations were put upon these young men? What doors were opened to them, and what doors were firmly shut to others? While the photograph speaks to traditions of power, it also hints at the fragile nature of identity and the burdens of conformity, reminding us to question the narratives of success and belonging we often take for granted.