Jonathan Bull, Hartford, Connecticut, 1765 1963

Curator: Before us is "Jonathan Bull, Hartford, Connecticut," created around 1765 by Ann Parker. Editor: What strikes me immediately is its graphic simplicity. The stark contrast and stylized forms create a surprisingly bold image. Curator: Indeed. This image taps into the burgeoning American identity of the time. Jonathan Bull was a personification of England, not always flattering. Editor: Note the deliberate use of symmetrical balance, lending the composition a formal, almost heraldic quality. It suggests stability and order. Curator: But the face itself is rather comical, slightly absurd. The figure served as a vehicle for expressing complex cultural and political sentiments. Editor: It is a powerful interplay between positive and negative space. The stippled infill creates a tactile quality, adding depth and texture. Curator: Exactly. Parker utilizes a well-known symbol in a very personal way, reflecting on themes of nationhood, satire, and resistance. Editor: Looking at it now, the graphic clarity, combined with this symbolic weight, offers a surprisingly modern sensibility.