Portret van Peter Halkett 1755 - 1757

This is James McArdell's mezzotint portrait of Sir Peter Halkett. The tonal range and subtle gradations of light give form to Halkett's figure, set against a dark, neutral ground. The oval frame contains and focuses our attention. Within it, Halkett's gaze meets ours directly. McArdell uses the soft, modulated light to bring out the textures: the powdered wig, the velvet of the coat, and the delicate fabric of the shirt. The inscriptions below act as a form of structural framing, anchoring the image within the broader context of representation and commemoration. The lines and curves of the typeface echo the softness of the portrait above, creating a visual harmony between image and text. Ultimately, the print offers a study in contrasts: between light and shadow, texture and form, presence and absence. McArdell's technical skill invites us to consider the complex interplay between artistic representation and historical memory.