Body Language

Robert Harris' Meeting of the School Trustees (1885) is a wonderful piece which showcases his ability to absorb the lessons of Netherlandish painting, and translate them into a purely Canadian context. In the painting a prim, young school teacher speaks to a group of men - each farmers in the community and trustees of the school.  Clearly, she is trying to convince them of something. Her exposed wrist and upturned hand as well as slight lean toward what seems to be the leader of the group lets us also know that her message is an important one. But look at how her message is received. The facial expressions and hand/arm gestures of the men seem to indicate a cold and almost stalwart reception to her entreaties - note the closed fist, crossed arms, but also closed mouths and defiant stares.

Robert Harris, A Meeting of the School Trustees
1885, oil on canvas, 102.2 x 126.5 cm

This painting received a broader recognition within Canadian homes after the Historica-Dominion Institute created a Heritage Minute commercial based on this work, and the history of politics within small rural school houses.  In the 56 second commercial, the postures and attitudes of the trustees comes to life, and the work is infused with an entirely new level of emotion. Watch the video to see if you agree: http://www.histori.ca/minutes/minute.do?id=10183