The Reverend Timothy Cutler, of Christ Church, Boston 1750

Curator: Standing before us is Peter Pelham's portrait of "The Reverend Timothy Cutler, of Christ Church, Boston." Editor: It's quite imposing. The tonal range is subtle, yet there’s a clear sense of authority emanating from the figure, especially those very structured curls. Curator: Pelham, active in the early to mid-18th century, was vital to the development of printmaking in colonial Boston. This mezzotint exemplifies that. Editor: Yes, and looking at the formal qualities, the oval framing and the precise rendering of textures—the wig, the robes—speak to a desire to portray not just Cutler, but also his status. Curator: Exactly. Consider the labor involved in creating this print: the preparation of the plate, the meticulous rocking and scraping. It signifies cultural capital. Editor: I see that now, the artist is making a statement about the significance of the clergy. Curator: Indeed, Pelham's printmaking offered valuable visual documents of the colonial elite. Editor: It definitely gives a sense of the power and formality inherent in this time and place.