James Drummond 1670

John Riley painted this portrait of James Drummond using oil. At first glance, the oval composition, dominated by warm tones, creates an intimate and inviting impression. Drummond’s gaze meets ours directly, framed by the elaborate curls of his wig and the soft folds of his clothing. Consider how Riley employs the Baroque aesthetic to convey status and character. The textures are rich, almost tactile – from the lace at the neck to the sheen on the draped fabric. The choice of an oval format, quite popular at the time, centralizes the figure, emphasizing the individual within the composition. This mirrors the era’s growing interest in the individual, moving away from purely symbolic representations. Finally, notice how the play of light and shadow sculpts Drummond's face, lending him both presence and a touch of softness. This careful modulation suggests a complex personality, beyond mere representation. The portrait embodies not just the physical likeness, but also the intellectual and cultural milieu of 17th-century society.