Frontman c. 1935

Jon Edward Peacock made this print, “Frontman,” at some point during his long life as an artist, stretching from 1908 to 2008. We see here a figure drawing back a curtain, perhaps preparing to address an audience. The print medium, as opposed to painting or sculpture, carries its own cultural associations. It is not unique but rather one of a series and therefore suited to popular and political messaging. The figure here is somewhat abstracted, almost monumental, yet seems caught in a moment of preparation rather than heroic action. The artist may be commenting on the role of public figures, who appear to be larger than life but whose power depends on carefully constructed appearances. To understand this image better, we could research the artist's involvement in political movements or the historical context of the print's production. By exploring these connections, we can gain a deeper appreciation of the social role of art and the artist.