DAR Headquarters will be closed from March 16 to March 20. We will reopen on March 21. 

Pleasing Truths: Power and Portraits in the American Home

Elisabeth Haley_March 17 to December 31

In 1754, artist Lawrence Kilburn advertised that “all Gentlemen and Ladies inclined to favour him in having their pictures drawn, that he don’t doubt of pleasing them in taking a true Likeness.” Kilburn’s advertisement, loaded with meaning, is one of many examples of advertisements placed by artists in the 18th and 19th centuries to garner portrait commissions. This ad reveals a lot about his, and other artists, potential clients, and their desires for being represented on canvas.

In looking closer at portraits, subjects, artists, and the context in which they were produced, a deeper understanding of society is revealed; a society that valued power, personal leisure, and prescribed gender roles. This exhibition takes a deeper dive into the context and symbolism of early portraits to better understand the transmission of ideas and their impact on people over time.

https://pleasingtruths.dar.org/

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Upcoming Events

  • Esther Perel
    - 8:00 PM
  • Heilung
    - 8:00 PM
  • John Mellencamp
    - 8:00 PM
  • Saturday Morning Cartoons
  • Women’s History Costume Party
  • Crystal Bowl Sound Bath

Learn how DAR members selflessly and tirelessly dedicated themselves to the war relief effort of World War I

Find special initiative opportunities for every interest and every budget!