Unveiling the Hidden

The MET's Rare Portrait: A Portrait's Journey to Challenge and Enrich Our Understanding of Art

The Metropolitan Museum of Art's acquisition of a 19th-century portrait opens an enriching dialogue about the influential role that institutions play in shaping our understanding of "art." This unique portrait, which features a young enslaved child named Bélizaire along with the Frey children of Louisiana, provides an opportunity to confront and address historical silences.

Unveiling A Hidden Narrative: Rediscovering Bélizaire

For many years, this captivating family portrait kept an untold story: a fourth figure, Bélizaire, had been intentionally removed from the painting. The restoration of this figure adds depth to our understanding of racial dynamics and societal norms during the 19th century. The portrait stands as a rare example that realistically portrays an enslaved individual, offering a critical lens through which to examine the historical invisibility of Black figures in American art.

Revisiting Institutional Choices: The Painting's Journey

The painting's history underscores the significant responsibility that institutions have in curating art. Initially housed in the New Orleans Museum of Art's storage for over three decades, the artwork's "hidden" status speaks to how institutions have the power to either sideline or highlight narratives that challenge or align with mainstream perspectives. The re-inclusion of Bélizaire in the portrait is a reminder of how institutions shape the trajectory of art, for better or worse.

Reviving Bélizaire's Story: A Triumph of Diligent Research

Jeremy K. Simien's unwavering commitment to uncovering the portrait's history and restoring it is a compelling example of how individual efforts can challenge institutional narratives. Through careful research, he pieced together the life of Bélizaire, a mixed-race boy who lived close to the Frey family yet faced the harsh conditions of slavery, thereby enriching our understanding of this complex period.

The Power of Art: Catalyst for Change and Inclusion

The journey of Bélizaire's portrait highlights the transformative power that art holds. Institutions, driven by their missions, have the esteemed role of selecting narratives that deepen our collective understanding of history. This portrait's story serves as a vibrant illustration that art's true potential lies in its ability to question prevailing norms and give a platform to voices that have been historically marginalized.

The Met's welcoming of this portrait into its collection signals a positive shift toward acknowledging and rectifying historical gaps. It celebrates the notion that the world of art is a kaleidoscope of diverse narratives, each deserving of recognition and applause.

Reference: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/08/14/video/belizaire-frey-children-portrait-met.html

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About the Artist

Pragati is a New York-based artrepreneur, artist, painter, and educator. She was the Brand Educator for Winsor and Newton in the year 2021. She is further honing her skills through a Master's program at the prestigious New York Academy of Art. Pragati contributes significantly to the art community.