James Danforth Thurber, Plymouth, Massachusetts (1839-1921) 1858

Editor: This is John Adams Whipple's portrait of James Danforth Thurber, Plymouth, Massachusetts. It's a very formal, oval portrait. What's striking is how controlled and posed it feels. What can you tell me about it? Curator: Well, let's think about the date; it's from 1839. This was early photography, and the sitter had to be perfectly still for a long exposure. But I see more than just technical constraints. It's a performance of masculinity. Editor: Performance? Curator: Yes! Think about the pose, the clothing, the setting. Thurber is constructing an image of himself as a respectable, upstanding member of society. What is he saying with this carefully constructed image? Editor: That’s a whole new way to see this portrait. Thanks! Curator: Absolutely! It's about deconstructing the image, questioning what it's telling us about power, gender, and representation in that era.