O.W. Holmes 19th-20th century

Curator: O.W. Holmes by Jacques Reich seems to capture an individual of power and perhaps privilege. What are your initial thoughts? Editor: It’s a very formal portrait, almost severe. What can we learn about the social context of this piece and its subject? Curator: Well, portraits like these often served to solidify status and project authority. I wonder, who was Holmes, and what role did he play in upholding or challenging the power structures of his time? What does his likeness say about the values of his era? Editor: That’s a great point. It makes me consider who had the power to be represented this way and who was excluded. I guess there’s much more to the portrait than just a face. Curator: Exactly. By examining these power dynamics, we can better understand the historical and social forces at play. Editor: It definitely provides a new perspective. Thanks!