Mrs Christian Cunninghame 1781

This is “Mrs Christian Cunninghame”, painted by George Romney using oil on canvas. Romney was a society portraitist, and his paintings are highly valued. But what do we really see here? Consider the cost of the materials: the canvas woven and primed, the pigments extracted and refined, and the brushes carefully made. Add to this Romney’s labor in acquiring the skills of painting, and the countless hours he spent perfecting his technique. Now think of the sitter, Mrs. Cunninghame. She and her family would have had to afford all of this, as well as the time for multiple sittings. A portrait like this wasn't just an image; it was a carefully constructed statement of status. Look closely at the way the paint is applied, soft and flattering, almost airbrushed. It speaks of a desire to present an idealized vision of beauty and wealth. Ultimately, a portrait like this is a fascinating artifact of a particular time and place, reflecting the social and economic forces at play in 18th-century Britain. It highlights the way that art and craft, are deeply intertwined with labor, class, and consumption.