I am an art historian specializing in early American portraiture with a particular interest in issues of authority and authenticity in representational systems. I study the ways in which portraits have been promoted and accepted as legitimate manifestations of those they purport to represent and how the arguments made in this process reveal the values, desires, and standards of truth of those that accept them.
I firmly believe that the humanities have a great capacity to provide essential perspective for people from all backgrounds. Art history in particular trains us to see appreciate the ways in which the traces of a cultural moment can be read through the material environment of the past. This not only encourages us to approach cultural difference with interest rather of apprehension, but it also signals that we can collectively endeavor shape the world to reflect the highest virtues of our own cultural moment. At the same time, I am an adamant pragmatist who believes that art history should be of practical use in our society and as such I endeavor to foster the kinds of experiences and skills that will be both useful and enriching throughout my students’ lives.
I graduated from Pitt in with a PhD in art history 2020 and in addition to teaching at Pitt, I am a Curator of American Art at the Brigham Young University Museum of Art.
Course Taught at Pitt
- HAA 0010 - Intro to World Art
Education & Training
- PhD, Art History - University of Pittsburgh