July 27, 2013 to January 12, 2014
Sitting for History: Exploring Self-Identity Through Portraiture.
Sitting for History uses portraits to explore ways in which we create public identities and how that has changed across time, media, and cultures. The exhibition includes a cross-section of works from the museum’s permanent collection ranging from the late 18th century through today, and by both Northwest as well as national and international artists. Through comparisons and thematic groupings, the exhibition surveys how the look and role of portraits have changed across time and place and how those changes reflect societal shifts in ideas about public vs. private, status, societal role, and the relationship between artist and sitter.