Cadwallader David Colden, Mayor of New York City 1820 - 1830

Asher Brown Durand created this engraving of Cadwallader David Colden, a former Mayor of New York City. Colden's life and career were deeply embedded in the political and social structures of his time. Born into a wealthy and influential family, Colden represents the elite class that shaped early American society. His political trajectory, marked by roles as mayor and congressman, reflects the limited access to power for marginalized groups such as women, enslaved people, and the working class. Durand’s engraving captures the likeness of a man of privilege, a member of the ruling class during a period of significant social stratification. It stands as a reminder of the power dynamics inherent in portraiture, where representation often serves to immortalize those who already hold positions of authority. As you gaze upon Colden's image, consider the unacknowledged labor and struggles that supported his status, and the stories of those excluded from such portrayals.