No. 9: Admiral 1799

Henri Merke made this print of an admiral sometime around 1800 in London. It presents us with a particular image of power and authority, one that reflects the social hierarchy of the time. Notice how the admiral's uniform, complete with gold braid and decorations, signifies his status and authority. He stands confidently on the deck of a ship, a symbol of British naval power, gazing off into the distance. This carefully constructed image would have resonated with the patriotic sentiments of the British public, who depended on the strength of the navy for trade and protection. But it also serves to uphold a certain social order, reinforcing the idea of a ruling elite in charge of the military and, by extension, the country. By consulting period sources like naval records, fashion plates, and political pamphlets, we can further understand the cultural meanings embedded in this image. This print reminds us that art is never neutral, but always reflects the social and institutional forces that shape its production and reception.