William Douglas Hamilton, 12th Duke of Hamilton 1863

Franz Xaver Winterhalter painted this portrait of William Douglas Hamilton, the 12th Duke of Hamilton, sometime in the mid-19th century. The image carries a potent message about class and power. The subject's refined features and aristocratic bearing are emphasized in the profile view, while the dark, tailored coat speaks to the Duke's wealth and social standing in Victorian Britain. Winterhalter was known for his portraits of European royalty and aristocracy, so this particular image must be seen in the context of the institutions of monarchy and hereditary privilege. The lack of overt symbols of power such as a coronet or coat of arms may reflect the way that the British aristocracy was adapting to a changing political landscape. To fully understand this painting, we must look to sources such as aristocratic papers, social registers, and even political cartoons to understand how class was portrayed and perceived in that period. The meaning of art is contingent on social and institutional context.