Portret van William Wynne Ryland 1768

This is a portrait of William Wynne Ryland by D.P. Pariset, made using etching and engraving. Ryland was an 18th-century printmaker, celebrated for his skill, but also infamous for his crimes. Ryland's story is a complex intersection of talent, class, and societal expectations. As a master of the printing arts, he occupied a unique position, creating imagery for both the elite and the burgeoning middle class. But in 1783, he was executed for forgery, a crime driven by debt. This portrait, likely created before his downfall, presents him in profile, framed by classical motifs that speak to his artistic status. Yet, knowing his fate, there is an emotional tension; it makes me wonder about the pressures and temptations that might have led to his tragic end. What does it mean to betray the trust placed in you? This portrait becomes a window into a life caught between artistry and despair.