Admiral Robert Roddam 

Lemuel Francis Abbott painted this portrait of Admiral Robert Roddam during a time of significant naval conflict and expansion for Britain. It reflects the image of a man who dedicated his life to service, but it also presents a particular construction of masculinity and power that was deeply embedded in the social and political structures of the time. Roddam's confident, forward gaze is framed by his powdered wig and the elaborate detailing of his naval uniform. These were potent symbols of authority and status in 18th-century British society. Yet, there's a certain vulnerability in his expression, perhaps hinting at the personal costs of a life at sea and the weight of command. What does it mean to represent a man whose identity is so entwined with military service and colonial power? What does it conceal about the human experience behind this official portrayal? It is a question this painting subtly invites us to consider.