Noah Webster 1751 - 1849

This is James Sharples' pastel portrait of Noah Webster. Portraits like these offer glimpses into the identities and values of early America’s elite. Webster, a lexicographer and educator, sought to define and standardize American English at a time when the nation was forging its identity. He aimed to create a language that was both distinct from British English and accessible to all Americans, regardless of class or region. Sharples, a British artist who emigrated to the United States, captured Webster's likeness with a focus on his intellectual demeanor. The powdered hair and formal attire reflect the sitter’s status, but there’s a sense of republican simplicity, aligning with the ideals of the new republic. Consider the power dynamics inherent in portraiture – who gets memorialized, and whose stories are told? Webster’s dictionary, for instance, codified certain usages and spellings, influencing future generations of American writers and speakers. This portrait then, invites us to think about how language and representation shape our understanding of ourselves and others.