James Peale 1785 - 1788

Editor: This is a pencil drawing entitled "James Peale," made between 1785 and 1788 by Charles Willson Peale. I find the texture of the pencil work so interesting – especially in the rendering of his hair and clothing. How does your knowledge inform your understanding of it? Curator: Looking at this portrait, I see not just an image of James Peale, but a glimpse into the material culture and labor practices of late 18th-century America. Pencil, the primary material, offers a fascinating starting point. How readily available and standardized was its production? We can ponder the process, and labor behind creating pencils at the time. Editor: That's a good point, I had not considered that before. So, understanding the challenges and efforts put into pencil production, do you think the medium choice would influence or reflect societal views? Curator: Absolutely. Was pencil seen as a practical tool, or did its use in portraiture elevate it? The subject’s clothing can give us hints too. That ruffled shirt likely involved considerable labor and expense, reflecting societal hierarchies. Could that contrast with what maybe considered as mundane for an art supply, thus telling a more encompassing societal status of individuals involved? Editor: So you're saying it challenges this high art, low art distinction? Curator: Precisely. The "high art" of portraiture is rendered through common materials produced through work. Also, what impact would that have on the artist and subject? It may not have occurred in our everyday observations of works such as these, but considering social context makes these aspects more discernible. Editor: That connection between materials, labor, and social status never occurred to me before in relation to this work! Thanks!