John Warren (1753-1815) c. 1805 - 1815

Editor: Here we have Rembrandt Peale's portrait of John Warren. The oil paint application seems quite smooth. What can you tell us about this work? Curator: Look closely at the materiality of the work. The smooth surface reflects the values placed on finish and the skill required to achieve it. What does this tell us about the social standing of both the sitter and the artist, and the relationship between labor and value in art? Editor: That's a great point! I hadn't considered how the materials themselves speak to societal structures and artistic skill as labor. Curator: Indeed. By focusing on the materials and their manipulation, we can uncover deeper meanings related to class, labor, and the consumption of art itself.