Selectmen of Provincetown Charles Webster Hawthorne (1872-1930)

The composition presents three men seated in what appears to be a formal setting, likely a municipal hall or similar public space. They are arranged closely together, forming a tight group portrait. Each man is dressed in dark suits and ties, suggesting positions of authority or respectability. The artist has rendered their faces with a degree of realism, yet also imbued them with an expressive quality through the use of light and shadow. Noticeable are the men’s aged appearances: deeply etched lines on their foreheads, prominent noses, and sparse facial hair all contribute to a sense of experience and gravitas.
The color palette is dominated by somber tones – blacks, browns, and muted grays – which reinforce the serious nature of the subject matter. The background is indistinct, rendered in broad strokes of paint that suggest an interior space but lack specific detail. This deliberate ambiguity serves to focus attention on the figures themselves. A patch of brighter color appears at the upper right corner, hinting at a window or other light source, though its precise nature remains unclear.
The men’s postures and expressions are noteworthy. The man on the left holds his arms loosely across his lap, conveying an air of quiet contemplation. The central figure maintains a more upright posture, with hands clasped in front of him, suggesting a sense of formality or perhaps even restraint. The man on the right leans slightly back, his arm resting on his thigh, which might be interpreted as a gesture of relaxation or confidence. However, their expressions are largely unreadable; they possess a certain stoicism that resists easy interpretation.
Subtly, there is an underlying tension within the painting. While the men appear to represent stability and authority, the somewhat rough application of paint and the subdued color scheme create a sense of melancholy or even weariness. The indistinct background contributes to this feeling, suggesting that these figures are not isolated but rather embedded in a larger, less defined context. One might interpret the work as an exploration of power, aging, and the burdens of responsibility within a community setting. The lack of overt sentimentality suggests a critical perspective on those who hold positions of authority, hinting at the complexities and potential sacrifices inherent in public service.