John Adams 1751 - 1811

Editor: Here we have a pencil drawing of John Adams, dating from 1751 to 1811, by James Sharples, currently residing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. I'm struck by the simplicity of it, almost severe, yet there's a clear attempt to portray Adams with dignity. What do you see in this piece? Curator: I see a powerful statement about the role of portraiture in shaping public perception. Sharples wasn’t just creating an image; he was participating in the construction of a national identity. This stoic, neoclassical style suggests virtue and reason – essential qualities in a leader during the tumultuous founding of a nation. Notice the deliberate avoidance of flamboyance. Why do you think that is? Editor: Perhaps to distance Adams from the perceived decadence of European aristocracy? To present him as a man of the people? Curator: Precisely! Think about the context: the revolution, the need to establish a distinct American identity. Artists like Sharples played a vital role by crafting images that reinforced republican values. This wasn’t simply art for art's sake; it was art with a political purpose, circulated widely to solidify Adams’ image in the collective consciousness. The Met's choice to exhibit it now contributes to the continuous re-evaluation of that image. Editor: So, the artwork becomes part of a dialogue that keeps evolving through generations. Curator: Absolutely! It becomes a historical artifact as much as an artwork. I am interested to reflect on how its role changes over time. The drawing also is powerful since we are dealing with the figureheads of United States, not with the actual event of Independence itself. This drawing has its own story! Editor: Thanks, this has really reshaped my perspective on portraits of that period. It makes you realize they are carefully constructed tools!