Portret van Arthur Beardmore en zijn zoon 1765

Curator: Look closely at this striking charcoal drawing. It's a portrait made around 1765 by James Watson. The piece is entitled "Portret van Arthur Beardmore en zijn zoon," and we have it here at the Rijksmuseum. Editor: What a formal and fascinating drawing! It reminds me a bit of old photographs—staged but filled with a world of implication. It's quite remarkable given its age. Curator: Indeed! Watson has captured the essence of the Neoclassical era here. Portraits during this time became statements of social standing, a reflection of values, especially through its academic style. Arthur Beardmore was a well-known figure in his time. Editor: And he’s holding music, and the little guy with the adorable outfit seems…distracted? Lost in thought? I imagine Arthur really wanted him to follow in his footsteps! Is there a story there? Curator: Possibly! Beardmore was a lawyer and radical politician who openly criticized the government. So, Watson here depicts Arthur, perhaps trying to instill some kind of intellectual virtue in his son, through education, music lessons. Watson was quite clever in his rendering the composition, capturing it. Editor: You can just feel the weight of expectation in the room, can't you? And Watson really knew how to give life to charcoal on paper! The father's look—so direct—it practically stares *through* you! I’m also wondering if they used this particular charcoal style to make the two look pale. Curator: Possibly, the paper itself contributes to the look and feel as well. Watson has demonstrated such excellent attention to detail to achieve an evocative snapshot of 18th-century life in tones of gray. And he even has included a scale as part of the desk where the child has been put to pose for a picture. This symbol refers to his activities as a lawyer. Editor: The artist is definitely sending messages through a carefully constructed world. After pondering the artwork with your historical input, it reveals its depth on social class of the characters represented in the drawing! Curator: I agree. There are so many levels that this piece communicates, so now with fresh insight, let's allow our visitors to dwell a little longer and come to their own understanding.