Portret van Nathaniel Bowditch before 1865

Curator: This is a page from a book entitled "Portret van Nathaniel Bowditch," dating from before 1865, most likely an albumen print on paper. It’s a reproduced portrait set alongside text about the sitter. It looks as if it is a commemorative family history. Editor: Yes, the pairing is interesting. I’m curious, what jumps out to you when you see it? Curator: Immediately, I consider the portrait’s context. Who was Nathaniel Bowditch? What were the social and political landscapes of his time? And how does representing him in this format shape our understanding of his legacy? Was this printed before or after the Civil War, for instance? Does the text allude to broader contemporary cultural values of the time regarding peace versus violence? Editor: That’s a very different direction than where my thoughts were headed! Curator: As we analyze this image, let's reflect on the way we commemorate people and history. What narratives are intentionally – or unintentionally – highlighted and perpetuated? Consider the impact on those whose histories are omitted. I find the lullaby lyrics interesting. Is there a tension between a peaceful childhood versus the impending threat of social unrest at that time? What is the symbolism of using a lullaby juxtaposed to the description of the subject? Editor: Those questions certainly give me something new to think about in regards to this work. Thanks for the different points of view. Curator: And thank you for allowing me the chance to reconsider what a historical record represents to different audiences and cultures.