Peto, John Frederick (American, 1854-1907) American artists

The composition presents a layered assemblage affixed to a textured, ochre-toned surface. The background itself appears as aged metal sheeting, bearing traces of previous markings and exhibiting a patina indicative of weathering or deliberate aging. This substrate immediately establishes a sense of history and decay.
Dominating the upper portion is a circular cutout revealing a portrait within. Here we see a man in formal attire – a dark suit with bow tie – his expression somber and contemplative. The edges of this circular frame are ragged, suggesting forceful removal or deliberate damage, which contributes to an overall feeling of disruption and loss.
To the right of the portrait, numerals – 1865 – are stenciled in a bold typeface. This date carries significant historical weight, immediately evoking associations with pivotal events and figures. The placement alongside the portrait suggests a direct connection between the individual depicted and this year.
Lower down, a smaller, irregularly shaped fragment is adhered to the surface. It contains another portrait of a man, accompanied by text that appears to read Twenty-Five Cents. This miniature image, coupled with the price indication, introduces an element of commercialization or mass reproduction into the scene. The contrast in scale between this small piece and the larger portrait highlights a disparity in importance or value.
The artist’s signature, “John F. Peto 1864,” is discreetly placed at the lower left corner, anchoring the work within a specific timeframe. This date further contextualizes the assemblage as a product of the Civil War era.
Subtleties in color and texture contribute to the paintings complex narrative. The muted palette – primarily browns, yellows, and grays – reinforces the sense of age and melancholy. The deliberate use of distressed edges and peeling layers suggests themes of fragmentation, memory, and the passage of time.
The work seems to explore the intersection of personal identity, historical events, and the ephemeral nature of representation. It is not merely a collection of images but rather an evocative arrangement that prompts reflection on loss, commemoration, and the ways in which history is constructed and preserved – or forgotten.