The Serious and the Smirk

Portraits from the Museum Collection

Portraits have a long history in our young country in establishing class and power by documenting the existence of political and industry leaders and their progeny. Today the ubiquitous “selfie” has shattered the barrier between the haves and the have-nots by making the portrait the property of all.

More about this exhibition

Drawn from the Museum’s expansive collection spanning the 18th to the 21st century; the exhibition explores the role of portraiture in American art and showcases some of the Waterbury region’s most notable residents.