Henry Byne, of Carshalton 

Curator: Lemuel Francis Abbott, active around 1760 to 1802, painted this portrait of Henry Byne of Carshalton. He looks rather stern, doesn’t he? Editor: He does! Initially, the darkness gives it a serious, almost brooding feel, like he's guarding a secret. Curator: Portraits of this era often served as markers of social status and identity, reinforcing the sitter’s position within a hierarchical society. Editor: Right. But beyond that, I wonder what kind of man Byne was. I like to imagine he had a sharp wit hidden behind that sober facade. Curator: It's possible, but consider the conventions of portraiture at the time. Abbott likely aimed to project an image of respectability and gravitas. Editor: Still, that slight upturn at the corner of his mouth? It hints at something, doesn't it? Art's fun because it lets us play with those possibilities. Curator: It does indeed. Considering the social and artistic landscape, Abbott's work reflects the values of its time, while inviting us to consider individual agency and identity within it. Editor: Precisely, and even if Byne was a complete grump, this portrait makes him a rather fascinating one.