Sir Robert Peel c. 19th century

Editor: This is George Baxter's portrait of Sir Robert Peel. It seems like it's printed, not painted. It has such a formal and almost stiff feel. What do you see in it? Curator: I see a visual representation of power and the performance of masculinity in 19th-century Britain. Peel, a key figure in shaping modern British Conservatism, is meticulously presented, almost as if to deflect any criticism about his policies. Editor: So, the formality and stiffness are deliberate? Curator: Precisely. How does the framing of Peel, the colour palette, and the background elements work to construct a narrative of authority and control? Consider who this image was for, and what messages it was intended to convey. Editor: That's a great question. I hadn't thought about the intended audience. Curator: Thinking about the social and political climate adds another layer to how we understand even seemingly straightforward portraits like this one. Editor: Definitely given me a lot to consider! Thanks.