Portraits and Masculinity

Introduction

A portrait can be defined as any art work associated with a likeness of a person.  The purpose of this digital exhibit is to illustrate the identity politics present in 19th portraiture, through the analysis of several artworks from the Mercantile Library Art Museum’s collection.  This exhibit will also highlight the parallels between American and Native masculinity . The selected works were chosen because they represent what masculinity during the 19th century was thought to be and as it was presented by the various artists.  The combination of several factors including attire, expression, background, body language, and accessories work in harmony to produce a clear and concise message of who these individuals desired to be to viewers.  

Portraiture and Identity

At the core of portraiture is identity.  Portraits are visual representations of identity.  Portraiture can be used to project self hood and communicate different aspects of one’s personality. When considering portraiture, one must also consider the different visual elements present. The way in which the sitter gestures, their expression, attire, the accessories surrounding them, and the setting of the portrait itself must all be carefully examined. One must consider visual interactions  between sitters and audiences, as well. If the core of portraiture is identity, then the core of identity is individuality. Individuality connects with the notion of likeness.  The idea of likeness is not a stable concept and can change depending on several factors. For example, the likeness of a sitter can shift when depicted by artists with different artistic styles.  A portrait does not have to be a carbon copy of the sitter to achieve the sitter’s likeness. The concept of “likeness”itself connotes a level of difference between the image and the person. There is always a contrast between  features of the sitter and works of art produced.

Portraiture in the 19th Century

Portraiture has served several functions through the course of human history.  Some of the most notable portraits served as symbols of nobility. Individuals with higher status could afford to commission portraits, such as royalty and nobility.  Portraits were utilized by individuals to remind them of loved ones or lost ones they were fond of. During the 17th and 18th century, portraits were utilized by powerful individuals to essentially assert their own cultivated self images to the public.  Personal qualities, such as prudence, strength, and leadership were conveyed to viewers through the artists’ hand at the request of the sitters. The sitter’s accomplishments were also conveyed to viewers through the use of accessories. Portraits were also used as political tools to solidify an individuals leadership status, as will be explored later in this exhibit.

 Reading A Portrait

Reading a portrait requires looking  at various components of images. Portraits are very calculated forms of representation.  Reading portraits requires viewers to use visuals in artworks in order to decode specific messages.  Body language during the 19th century was specific to its time. Specific etiquette was required for men and certain gestures were  associated with different classes of people and levels of masculinity. During the 19th century, the culture of posture was essential to political life, which became associated with masculinity additionally.  Emphasis on proper etiquette overlapped in the world of art. Certain scholars have argued that erect posture, slim frames, and sober dress was associated with nobility, self-possession, dignity, and refinement. These character traits became associated with gentleman-like masculinity.  Additionally, facial expressions were significant. Artists during the 19th century would idealize portraits, and choose features to communicate messages to viewers. Attractiveness and beauty were utilized by artists to communicate desirable attributes.  Although facial expressions in 19th century portraits were muted, they still convey messages about their sitters’ identity to viewers. In reading portraits for this exhibit, details in each painting that communicated masculinity will be examined.

19th Century American Masculinity

American masculinity during the 19th century was something that was carefully constructed.  This is especially true for portraits of the time. Masculinity was conveyed through the use of varying pictorial devices and visual imagery.  For example, the clothing of 19th century men was meant to convey a sense of dignity and virility. Masculinity was not something that was defined by body type or physical strength, as it would be today.  It was much more refined, and associated with gentle-man-like qualities. Refinement and status were stronger indications of masculinity rather than physical traits.