Richard Peters c. 1842

This is Eastman Johnson's charcoal drawing, "Richard Peters." Though undated, we can consider it a product of 19th century America, a time when portraiture served as a powerful tool for constructing social status. The careful rendering and dignified pose serve to underscore Peters's importance. But what was that importance? Johnson was a popular artist who made portraits of leading members of society. Richard Peters’ appearance, dress and the artist’s skill all seem to confirm that he too, belongs to this social class. To understand this image fully, we need to uncover the traces of social and institutional history. By consulting archives, genealogical records, and period newspapers, we can gain insights into the life of the sitter. The meaning of art is not fixed. It changes, depending on who is interpreting it. The role of historians is to ensure that these interpretations are always well informed.