The Gist: a history of smiling in portraits, and reforming how we police.

When Did Smiling Became Socially Acceptable in Portraits?

When Did Smiling Became Socially Acceptable in Portraits?

Slate
The Gist
A daily news and culture podcast with Mike Pesca.
Dec. 3 2014 8:38 PM

The Time Before People Smiled

The surprisingly brief history of smiling in portraits.

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141203-thegist-duck
Where does duck face fit into the history of smiling in portraits?

Photo Illustration by Slate. Photo by Jim Wall.

Listen to Episode 148 of Slate’s The Gist:

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Today on The Gist, a look at the issues surrounding police brutality, disengagement, and disarmament in cases like Eric Garner’s. Eugene O'Donnell from John Jay College of Criminal Justice explains why we need a holistic review of policing. Plus, Colin Jones tells us the history of smiling in portraits. He’s the author of The Smile Revolution. For the Spiel, why we’re compelled by threats that are most certainly exaggerated.

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Mike Pesca is the host of the Slate daily podcast The Gist. He also contributes reports and commentary to NPR.