Pleasing Truths: Power and Portraits in the American Home

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.

The DAR Museum's 2023 exhibition, Pleasing Truths: Power and Portraits in the American Home looks closer at portraits, subjects, artists, and the context in which they were produced to understand how society 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.

Visitors to the virtual exhibition will also have the chance to build their own portrait using the Portrait Builder program. Portraits and other objects in the DAR Museum collection are available to you to make a truly unique portrait that can say a lot about the sitter. This program, funded by DAR member donations, has been a big hit in the gallery and can now be accessed online. Be sure to share on social media any portraits you build and use the hashtag #pleasingtruths.