Self-Portrait 1847 - 1850

George Hewitt Cushman created this self-portrait using graphite on paper, sometime during his lifetime, which spanned much of the 19th century. Cushman was active during a time of immense social and political change, and worked primarily as a portrait painter. This self-portrait offers a glimpse into how artists of the time perceived themselves and wished to be seen. Cushman presents himself as a respectable, middle-class man. However, in the deliberate rendering of his features there might also be a hint of self-awareness, an acknowledgement of his place as an artist within a rapidly changing society. Consider the rise of portraiture at the time, and how it served as a tool for individuals to assert their identity and status. As you look at the portrait, think about the stories it tells and the questions it raises about identity, representation, and the role of the artist in society.