Sir Charles Holroyd 

This is Alphonse Legros's etching of Sir Charles Holroyd. Holroyd came from an educated, middle-class background, a path that perhaps allowed him to become an artist, curator, and first director of the Tate. Legros met Holroyd in the 1870s at the Slade, where Legros taught etching, a medium that Holroyd would also take up. Here, Holroyd is portrayed in profile, with a loose tie, and his gaze directed away from the viewer, perhaps emphasizing his interiority or intellect. The etching medium, with its fine lines, allows for a detailed representation of Holroyd's features and conveys a sense of quiet dignity. The image and the relationship between the two men speaks to the significance of artistic networks and mentorships in shaping cultural production and the development of individual artistic identities. It’s a testament to the bonds formed within artistic communities, which supported the navigation of the art world’s social hierarchies.