Fotoreproducties van een portretten van Robert Brookhouse, Stephen Clarendon Phillips, Edward D. Kimball en John Bertram before 1879

These are photographic reproductions of portraits of Robert Brookhouse, Stephen Clarendon Phillips, Edward D. Kimball, and John Bertram. They are undated and made by an anonymous photographer. The images capture men of considerable influence in 19th century Salem, Massachusetts, a time when the city was transitioning from maritime trade to industrial manufacturing. These portraits reflect the dominance of a particular class and race in shaping the historical narrative of Salem. The subjects, all white men, were prominent figures in business and philanthropy, contributing to the economic and social structures of their time. As such, we might ask ourselves, whose stories are prioritized in our historical accounts? In examining these images, it’s worth considering the stories that remain unseen. While these portraits celebrate individual achievements, they also invite us to reflect on the complex interplay between visibility, representation, and power. As you look at these images, consider what histories are remembered, and perhaps more importantly, which ones are forgotten.