Charles Allerton Coolidge (1858-1936) 1931

Editor: This is Charles Sydney Hopkinson's portrait of Charles Allerton Coolidge, currently held at the Harvard Art Museums. The scale is quite large, and the palette feels very formal. What can you tell me about it? Curator: The portrait serves as a potent marker of institutional power. Coolidge, depicted with symbolic objects of intellect and authority, reinforces the Harvard establishment's self-image. How does the scale contribute to this sense of authority, do you think? Editor: It definitely commands attention, making him seem larger than life. I hadn't considered the intentionality behind that. Thanks! Curator: Indeed. It underscores the role of portraiture in shaping and perpetuating institutional narratives and power dynamics.