Burton Spencer Dreben (1927-1999) c. 1996

Editor: This is a portrait of Burton Spencer Dreben by Margaret Rawls. The rendering of the suit feels stiff and formal. What can you tell me about this piece? Curator: I’m drawn to the labor evident in the portrait's creation. Consider the social context: portraiture often served to solidify status and power. The means of production – the artist's hand, the materials used – speak to a specific type of commissioned work, perhaps for institutional display? Editor: That's a great point. I hadn't considered the institutional setting affecting the commission. Curator: Exactly! It forces us to examine the relationship between art, labor, and the social structures it supports. Think about the artist's compensation, the materials used, and how all of this contributes to the work's meaning. Editor: I see what you mean. Thanks for making me think about that!