How many different photographs do we have of Norman Mailer? Suppose we had only five painted portraits of him, like the five Joshua Reynolds did of Dr. Johnson? Would Mailer's greatness seem more singular? Would Dr. Johnson's uniqueness suffer from various replications of his likeness in photographs?
The excerpt from Carl Rollyson's "Confessions of a Serial Biographer" reflects on the nature of artist representation through photographs and portraits. It poses an intriguing question about the impact of having multiple images of a person, specifically Norman Mailer, and how this abundance affects our perception of his greatness. If there were only a few painted portraits, similar to those of Dr. Johnson by Joshua Reynolds, it invites the thought that Mailer's individuality might be perceived as more distinct.
Conversely, the text considers whether the multiple photographs of Dr. Johnson enhance or dilute his uniqueness. Rollyson's exploration suggests that the availability of various likenesses can transform our understanding of these figures, prompting us to consider how the volume of representations influences our appreciation of their singularity or complexity. This contemplation on imagery and identity raises questions about how we value and interpret the legacies of literary giants.
