George Townshend (1724–1807) 1758

Isaac Gosset created this wax portrait of George Townshend sometime in the 1700s. Wax portraits were all the rage in the 18th century, combining the intimacy of a miniature with the presence of sculpture. Gosset's technique involved layering molten wax, allowing it to cool, and then meticulously carving into the surface. This wasn't just a craft, but a highly skilled art form. You can see the care taken in the detail of Townshend's hair and the subtle folds of his coat. The texture and the translucence of the wax give the portrait a life-like quality. Wax portraiture emerged alongside the rise of consumer culture. It offered a tangible way for people to preserve their image, turning themselves into commodities of sorts. This wasn't just about vanity, it was about participating in a new kind of social game where image and status mattered more than ever. Gosset's skillful work reminds us that even the most delicate art forms can be deeply intertwined with labor and the economy.