Ezekiel Price Greenleaf (1790-1886) 1886

Editor: So, this is Edgar Parker's portrait of Ezekiel Price Greenleaf, painted in black and white. The gentleman looks quite serious. I wonder, what's your take on this piece? Curator: It's got that somber dignity of the 19th century, doesn't it? All that darkness swirling around his face makes me wonder, what was he thinking? Perhaps he was just tired of sitting. Editor: A long pose for a portrait, I can imagine! Curator: Exactly! What do you think that little book in his hand symbolizes? Maybe knowledge or contemplation, but perhaps just something to fidget with. Editor: Very insightful, considering this portrait. I'll definitely look at 19th-century portraits with a new set of eyes!