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Gallery IV: Cabinet of Likenesses

William Henry Broome
Curator’s reflection
BC-181 is a rare and intimate self-portrait that exudes poise, confidence, and quiet individuality. Broome presents himself with a subtle sense of style and self-awareness, meeting the viewer's gaze with a look that is both inquisitive and composed.
The soft palette of pinks and neutrals creates a mood of warmth and approachability, while the artist's choice of hat and golden glasses adds a distinct personality to the portrait. It is a moment of self-expression that feels both casual and deliberate.
Broome's self-portraits often reveal different facets of his psyche.
Here, we see a side that is reflective yet at ease-suggesting an artist comfortable in his own skin, unafraid to present his true self to the world.
This painting invites us to consider how we present ourselves and the many layers of identity that shape who we are.
Looking closer
A moment to reflect
The truest form of art is when you are not afraid to be yourself. He left more than paintings. He left a life painted in brushstrokes.