George Tufton Moffatt (1836-1895) 1880

Curator: Benoni Irwin painted this portrait of George Tufton Moffatt, seemingly in 1880, judging by the signature on the upper right. The painting now resides here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: Immediately, I perceive a somber mood. The monochromatic palette and the sitter's averted gaze suggest introspection, perhaps even a sense of melancholy. Curator: Indeed, the limited tonal range emphasizes form and texture. Note how Irwin uses subtle variations to define the contours of Moffatt’s face and the luxurious fur collar. Semiotically, this fur suggests a position of wealth and status. Editor: The fur, yes, but it also evokes primal associations—warmth, protection, even a hint of the wild. Moffatt himself, with that beard, seems to embody a certain rugged masculinity. One wonders about the cultural perception of beards and fur during this time. Curator: Perhaps that was Irwin's intention. Ultimately, it is the formal arrangement of light and shadow that gives the work its power. Editor: A compelling rendering, however one chooses to interpret its symbols or stylistic intent. Curator: Agreed; a masterclass of monochromatic portraiture.