Portrait of Queen Charlotte 

This is Joshua Reynolds's Portrait of Queen Charlotte, made with oil on canvas. Reynolds was known for his 'Grand Style' portraits, and here, the material splendor of the monarchy is laid out for all to see. The meticulous layering of oil paint mimics the textures of Queen Charlotte's garments, from the sheen of her pearls and the stark ermine trim on her robe, to the glimmering jewels of her crown. Think about the labor involved – not just in Reynolds's studio, but in the mines, workshops, and trading routes that brought these precious materials to London. Reynolds has turned them into an image of soft power. The portrait testifies to the wealth and global reach of the British Empire during the late 18th century. Consider the amount of work involved in the production process, from the artist to the artisan; it allows us to consider wider social issues of labor, politics, and consumption. In this way, we can understand the full meaning of an artwork, challenging traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.