Portret van Edward Vernon c. 1753 - 1765

James McArdell created this mezzotint portrait of Edward Vernon sometime in the 1700s. During this period, Britain's naval power was deeply entwined with its colonial ambitions and the perpetuation of the slave trade. The portrait presents Admiral Vernon, a figure of authority and strength, against a backdrop of naval conflict. Yet, this image also evokes the complex social and political dynamics of the era. Vernon's power, like that of many figures of his time, was built on the exploitation of both land and people. There is a tension inherent in admiring the skill and artistry of this portrait, while acknowledging the troubling foundations upon which such power was built. This artwork then, invites us to consider the narratives we construct around historical figures, and how we address the legacies of colonialism and slavery within them.