Portret van Samuel Chandler aan een schrijftafel 1767

William Pether created this mezzotint portrait of Samuel Chandler in 18th century England. As a visual code, we see the trappings of Chandler's success as a dissenting minister - the books, the writing desk, and his clerical robes. This image speaks to the rising social status of nonconformist religious figures during this period. Chandler's intellectual labor is emphasized, perhaps to counter stereotypes about dissenting beliefs. Pether's choice of mezzotint, a tonal process, lends the image a certain gravitas. The soft gradations of light and shadow add depth to Chandler's character, inviting viewers to see him as a learned and thoughtful individual. Understanding this artwork means delving into the religious and political history of 18th century England. Researching the biographies and publications of dissenting ministers like Chandler would help us to fully grasp the social dynamics at play in this compelling portrait.