Louis Cons (1879-1942) c. 20th century

Editor: This is a portrait of Louis Cons by Jeanne W. deLeiris. It's a very formal piece, and I’m struck by the artist's rendering of his suit. What can you tell me about the materials and social context of this work? Curator: I see a study in the labor that creates respectability. The sitter's suit isn’t just clothing; it's a product of textile mills, tailoring, and global trade. What does it tell us about Cons' place in the world, and the value placed on such crafted presentation? Editor: That’s a great point. I hadn’t considered the labor and materials that went into creating this image of success. Curator: Exactly! Examining the materiality allows us to see beyond the surface and understand the power dynamics at play. Editor: Thank you! I'll definitely consider the production of materials differently now.