The Portrait of America's First Leading Astronomer

 Art is not necessarily a work that is always flamboyant or iconic, it may be a work, or in specifically in this case, a portrait, that has the exclusive purpose to immortalize an individual’s achievements. If I were to display one of a man that lacks a sense of appreciation, it would be the portrait of John Winthrop. The man not only was recognized as America’s leading astronomer, but he was also a former professor of mathematics and philosophy at the renowned Harvard University. If this beautiful portrait were to be presented in the Fred Jones Jr. museum, I would hope the tour guide would take the time to explain that the document in his hand is the diagram of the transit of Venus, and along with the diagram, the brass reflecting telescope was a fellow companion throughout his mass research and observation of Venus. Even with this information about the concrete portrait, that is not even saying enough for the man in the painting. I would also instruct the tour guide to detail Winthrop’s demeanor as a researcher. Winthrop was no Victor Frankenstein; he was definitely not a person who worked in seclusion. Much like Einstein’s approach to science, he aimed to reach out to other researchers of astronomy and expanded his knowledge of the subject to his greatest ability. Not only was he eager to learn, but also Winthrop was eager to share his vast knowledge of astronomy with the world. He was a simple man with a great love for astronomy, and this portrait is a great showcasing of his passion for science. Once he died, he left the world with his interpretation of the great transit of Venus. In one of his documents, he quoted Jean-Baptiste Chappe d' Auteroche, which says, "I know that I have only a little time left to live, but I have fulfilled my aim and I die content." I think John Winthrop leaving this quote in his work says something about him not only as a great scholar, but as a gentleman who felt he fulfilled his purpose in the world: to educate the New World with a respect for astronomy. So hopefully with this insight of the man in the painting, people will look at it with an enthusiasm to live the life they want to live like John Winthrop.