James Nares 

William Ward created this stipple engraving of James Nares, a prominent organist and composer, during the late 18th or early 19th century. Ward's work provides insight into the cultural landscape of Georgian England, a society deeply structured by class and artistic patronage. Portraits like these served to immortalize individuals of status and accomplishment. Nares, depicted here with powdered wig and formal attire, embodies the professional elite of his time. Ward's skill in stipple engraving allowed for soft gradations of tone, lending a flattering air to his subjects. While seemingly conventional, portraiture of this era also offers glimpses into personal identity and societal values. It invites consideration of how individuals like Nares navigated the expectations of their era, and how artists like Ward played a role in shaping their public image. This portrait is not just an image of a man, but a reflection of the aspirations and social hierarchies of its time.