Portret van John Wilkes Possibly 1770 - 1776

John Dixon’s portrait presents John Wilkes, a prominent figure in 18th-century British politics, celebrated for his advocacy for individual liberties. Wilkes is depicted holding the Magna Carta, a historic document symbolizing rights and freedoms, set against a backdrop alluding to classical ideals. His attire signifies his status, but also his position as a defender of liberty against perceived governmental overreach. Wilkes' legacy is complex. While he championed certain freedoms, it's important to consider whose freedoms were being prioritized. The portrait reflects the tensions between established power and emerging democratic ideals. Wilkes himself said his commitment was to being a "zealous asserter" of English liberties. This image exists as both a historical document and a reflection on what it means to champion rights and freedoms, who is included, and at what cost.