Portrait of Adam Duncan, 1st Viscount Duncan 1798

John Hoppner painted this portrait of Adam Duncan, 1st Viscount Duncan, using oil on canvas. It is a traditional medium and process, yet the very qualities of oil paint, its texture, weight and color, are wielded to enhance Duncan's character. Consider how the brushstrokes work to build up form. The paint is applied thickly, creating a tactile surface that captures the play of light and shadow on Duncan's face, his white wig, and naval uniform. The gold detailing on his epaulettes and the star on his chest draw the eye, signifying Duncan’s status and wealth. The act of painting itself is an act of labor, and Hoppner’s skill in manipulating the material speaks to his training and expertise. But beyond the artistic skill on display, the portrait is also a product of a society that valued portraiture as a means of commemorating individuals and preserving their legacy, reflecting the socio-cultural context in which it was created. It reminds us that images are never neutral, and we are implicated in their creation.