The Most Reverend Thomas Herring, Archbishop of Canterbury 1750

Bernard Baron created this print of The Most Reverend Thomas Herring, Archbishop of Canterbury, sometime around 1750. The print offers us a glimpse into the rigid hierarchies of 18th-century British society and the power held by the Church. Herring, with his elaborate wig and opulent robes, embodies the intersection of religious and political authority. His confident gaze and relaxed posture suggest a man comfortable in his position, a position of considerable influence. Yet, this image also speaks to the limitations of that power, particularly when it comes to the identities and experiences of those excluded from such positions of privilege. Where are the voices of women, people of color, or the poor in this representation of authority? Ultimately, this print serves as a reminder of the complex relationship between power, representation, and identity, inviting us to reflect on whose stories are told and whose are left out of the historical record.