James Watt 1833

This is William Wyon's portrait of James Watt, likely made in England during the first half of the 19th century. Watt was the famous inventor and mechanical engineer whose improvements to the steam engine were fundamental to the Industrial Revolution. By the time this portrait was made, Watt had become a national hero and a symbol of Britain’s technological prowess and economic might. The image is rendered on a coin-like medallion that resembles a Roman portrait. The visual code of the medallion format creates a direct association between Watt and the tradition of great rulers and statesmen. The image elevates Watt to the status of a national icon. Art historians can interpret this image through understanding the prevailing attitudes towards industry, technology, and national identity in 19th-century Britain. They could consult archives, newspapers, and other period documents to understand the social and political context in which this image was produced and consumed. The meaning of this image is contingent on these contextual factors.