Portrait of James Sullivan c. 19th century

Curator: This is Hezekiah Wright Smith’s "Portrait of James Sullivan," held here at the Harvard Art Museums. I’m immediately struck by the sitter’s gaze. Editor: He looks like he's judging my life choices. And who *was* James Sullivan? Curator: Sullivan was a rather prominent figure; he served as Governor of Massachusetts. Smith probably created this portrait to commemorate Sullivan’s public service. Editor: So, another white man immortalized. What narratives are we upholding here? What power structures are at play in these kinds of commissions? Curator: Absolutely. The composition and engraving technique certainly lend the piece a certain gravitas, reinforcing Sullivan's place in the societal hierarchy. Editor: It's a stark reminder of who gets remembered and why. Thanks for the insight. Curator: Indeed. It makes you consider what narratives we choose to amplify today.