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I really like the contrast between these two. Actually, I quite like the portraits done by the Japanese in general. Anyway...
On the right we have Commodore Perry, and on the left we have his son, Oliver. From looking through his portraits, Perry's drooping features generally tend to be emphasized by the Japanese, along with his more foreign features, such as his nose, and the same is true for this portrait.
I feel this exaggeration of his less attractive features signifies his less attractive actions. Due to the fact that he gained influence in Japan through brandishing his power, I feel as if the artists that painted him painted his face with the same rude message that Perry came to Japan with. (Portraying his face as almost melting off must have been a nice venting exercise. :) ) The exaggeration of Perry's features also helps to exemplify him as foreign, clearly identifying him, and also associating his image with all of the foreignness connected with America.
In contrast to Perry, Oliver is painted much more handsomely. He still bears a larger nose, but not overtly so, has redder lips, a move even complexion, and his eyes definitely aren't attempting to slide off his face. This also helps to make him more relatable. In this manner, I think Oliver signifies both the possibility for more attractive (ideologically) Americans, as he did not directly act as forcefully as his father; and thus can be separated from him. Being young, he also has the potential for growth, like Japan's relationship with America.
Overall, Perry's portrait carries feelings of resentment towards America's actions and foreign influence, while Oliver's gives hope to a successful relationship with America.
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ReplyDeleteI like your opinion that the description of Oliver gives us hope to a successful relationship with America.
ReplyDeleteI also felt that the young Oliver portrayed handsomely and positively means the acceptance of "new" things for Japanese people.
Thanks for the comment! :) Also, I can definitely see Oliver representing that as well.
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Deletehey,I think my first comment I posted a few days ago was deleted... but here goes again, hopefully it works this time! I wanted to note that I was happy to see someone else picked up on the Japanese features of some of the Americans in the artwork. And I thought it was a very cool interpretation on your part to imply that it showed the artist's opinion of both Perry and Oliver.
ReplyDeleteThanks, and yeah, definitely thought it was interesting how the artist decided to interpret both of them.
DeleteIt's their complexions that get me, really. There's a high amount of deliberate shading on Perry's face while Oliver's has the clarity of a newborn. Additionally, Perry's expression is much more intense and focused. Oliver seems to be lost in some sentimental battle with himself.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I think that's a good point as well. The shading definitely helps Perry to look more sallow and sagging, while Oliver looks youthful and healthy, adding to the whole thing. Thanks for the comment!
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