Afaf Meleis, Dean, School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 

Daniel Greene painted this portrait of Afaf Meleis, Dean of the School of Nursing at the University of Pennsylvania. The portrait is a formal representation, seemingly commissioned to commemorate Meleis's tenure. We see visual markers of status and accomplishment, such as her jewelry, dress, and the books stacked on the table. The family photographs add a personal touch, balancing the formality. The setting, likely within the university, reinforces the institutional context. Portraits like this are interesting from a social and institutional history perspective. Who gets commemorated, and how? What visual languages are used to convey authority, expertise, and legacy? This painting reflects the increasing representation of women in leadership positions within academic institutions. Further research into the archives of the University of Pennsylvania and the School of Nursing might provide a deeper understanding of the portrait's commission and its reception within the university community. Studying the history of academic portraiture can shed light on the evolving social and cultural values that shape institutional representation.