Edward Wigglesworth (1731-1794) 1895

Editor: This is a portrait of Edward Wigglesworth, painted by James Reeve Stuart, though the date is unknown. The stark contrast between his white wig and dark robes feels very formal. What do you see in this piece? Curator: I see a portrait deeply embedded in the power structures of its time. Consider the context: Wigglesworth was a Hollis Professor of Divinity at Harvard. Editor: So, his clothing signifies that status? Curator: Precisely. The portrait isn't just an image; it's a carefully constructed representation of authority, class, and the role of religious institutions in colonial society. The somber tones reinforce this seriousness. It begs the question, who was this portrait for, and what message was it intended to convey about Wigglesworth's position? Editor: I hadn't thought about it that way. It gives the portrait a whole new layer of meaning! Curator: Indeed. Examining the portrait in light of social and historical power dynamics really unveils the artwork’s complexities.