Fisher Ames (1758-1808) c. 1810

Curator: Gilbert Stuart’s portrait of Fisher Ames presents a compelling study of a prominent Federalist figure. It's housed right here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: The somber color palette conveys such an air of gravitas. It makes me think about the materials available to Stuart, and the cultural value placed on restraint. Curator: Absolutely. Ames was a key player in early American politics; understanding his positionality as a white, male elite helps us to contextualize his influence and the values he championed. Editor: And you see how the textures of the paint itself give weight to his jacket, his very presence. The labor involved in producing a portrait like this also speaks volumes. Curator: Right. It’s a fascinating intersection of political power and artistic craft. I'm left thinking about the narratives that are prioritized in portraiture. Editor: I agree. Seeing how Stuart chose to represent Ames really makes you consider the materials used and how they communicate status.