Sir Samuel Garth 1748

Editor: This is a portrait of Sir Samuel Garth, by Jacobus Houbraken. It looks like an engraving, with incredibly fine lines. What stands out to me is the contrast between the elaborate frame and the more straightforward depiction of the man himself. What do you see in this piece? Curator: I'm drawn to the material reality of the engraving process itself. Consider the labor involved in creating those fine lines. Was this a specialized skill? How did the engraver's social status relate to that of the sitter? The print then becomes a commodity, available for consumption. Who was its target audience? Editor: That's a great point. It makes you think about who this portrait was actually for. Curator: Exactly. It's not just about likeness; it’s about production, dissemination, and the social fabric that holds it all together. Editor: I never thought about portraiture in that way before, thanks!