George Parker (1755–1842), 4th Earl of Macclesfield 1777

This is a portrait of George Parker, the 4th Earl of Macclesfield, made by George Romney in oil paint sometime in the late 18th century. Oil paint is a fascinating material. It is made of powdered pigments bound together by oil, usually linseed, and applied in layers to a prepared canvas. Oil paint gives the artist a wide range of colors and textures. They can create subtle gradations of light and shadow, and capture the rich fabrics and textures of the Earl's clothing. The work also speaks to the culture of its time. Portraiture was a way for the wealthy to display their status and power, reflecting the labor involved in producing the materials: from the weaving of the fabrics to the mining of the pigments used in the paints. Looking closely at this portrait reminds us that art is not just about the subject, but also about the materials and processes that bring it to life. It challenges us to consider the social and economic context in which art is made and consumed.