Portret van George Edgcumbe 1761

Edward Fisher made this mezzotint portrait of George Edgcumbe, likely in England in the 1760s or 70s. The composition tells us much about the social and institutional power at play in 18th century Britain. Lord Edgcumbe’s dress, the stormy seascape in the background, and even the lettering of his name all speak to a particular moment in British history. Britain had become a dominant naval power, and its aristocratic class often had strong links to the military. Here, Lord Edgcumbe’s dress and the naval battle in the background, celebrate the importance of the navy and its officers to the strength, wealth, and prestige of the British Empire. Analyzing images like this through primary sources from the period – letters, newspapers, and military records – provides valuable insights into the social and institutional contexts that shape artistic production and the politics of imagery.