John Adams, 2nd President of the United States (1797-1801) 1827

Editor: Here we have Jean-Baptiste Mauzaisse's portrait of John Adams, the second US president. It's… well, rather imposing, isn’t it? What do you see in this piece that maybe isn't immediately obvious? Curator: Ah, but imposing can be deceiving! I see a man wrestling with the weight of a new nation, trying to find his footing. It's in the slight furrow of his brow, the way his gaze seems both direct and distant. Almost as if he is in character, wearing a costume. What do you reckon? Editor: Costume, yes, that makes a lot of sense. It's like he's playing the part of "President," not just being himself. I hadn't thought of it that way. Curator: Precisely! And it reminds us that even these historical figures were, at one point, just people trying to fill some very big shoes. Now, that's food for thought.