Portret van eerwaarde McCormick before 1895

This undated portrait of Reverend McCormick, likely a photogravure print included in a book, offers a window into the social and institutional fabric of its time. The Reverend’s attire and the formal portrait style reflect the established norms of religious leadership, likely dating to the late 19th or early 20th century. In scrutinizing this image, we can ask ourselves, what role did religious institutions play in shaping social values and moral codes? Was the production and dissemination of such portraits a means of reinforcing authority and projecting an image of piety? The inclusion of this portrait in a book signifies a deliberate effort to document and celebrate the contributions of individuals within specific communities, such as the Young Men’s Christian Association, as seen in the adjacent page. Understanding this image requires delving into archives of religious and social organizations. By piecing together historical records, we can decode the layers of meaning embedded within this portrait, revealing the intricate relationship between art, religion, and society.