Untitled (BC-136)

Curator’s reflection

BC-136 is a compelling self-portrait in which William Henry Broome crafts an enigmatic and deliberate persona. The green hat with its bold red band and feather, paired with round gold glasses, evokes a sense of theatricality and intentional self-fashioning.

Broome's steady gaze and composed expression suggest both confidence and concealment. The dark background eliminates distraction, drawing the viewer into an intimate encounter with the artist's constructed identity.

The rich textures in the hat and clothing contrast with the smooth modeling of the face, emphasizing the boundary between appearance and essence. This duality is central to the work itself, both revealed and guarded.

Throughout The Broome Collection, works like BC-136 remind us that identity is not fixed. It is shaped, chosen, and often hidden beneath the layers we present to the world.

Looking closer

The textured green hat, vibrant red band, and single feather are carefully rendered symbols of individuality and controlled expression. The gold glasses frame the artist's eyes, inviting connection while maintaining a barrier. The contrast between the dark background and the illuminated face intensifies the sense of presence and introspection.

A moment to reflect

We all wear our own hat-a choice of colors, a story of who we wish to be, and who we protect beneath the brim. He left more than paintings. He left a life painted in brushstrokes.

WHB Virtual Museum