John Albion Andrew (1818-1867) 1894 - 1895

Editor: This is Darius Cobb’s portrait of John Albion Andrew. It's rendered in muted tones, giving it a serious, almost somber feel. What can you tell me about this painting? Curator: Andrew was governor of Massachusetts during the Civil War, and a staunch abolitionist. Does that context shift your perception of the “somber feel?" Editor: Definitely. It makes me consider the weight of responsibility he must have felt during such a tumultuous period. Curator: Exactly. Cobb's portrait isn't just a likeness; it's a statement about power, morality, and the burden of leadership during a time of immense social upheaval. We must look at the legacy of figures like Andrew, particularly now, and ask: How do we truly measure progress? Editor: That's a really powerful perspective. I hadn't considered the painting as a starting point for that kind of questioning. Curator: Art invites us to consider such questions.