Sir Thomas Lawrence c. 19th century

Curator: This is Samuel Cousins' "Sir Thomas Lawrence," housed here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: The subdued tonality is immediately striking. The stark contrast seems to amplify the sitter's gaze. Curator: Observe how Cousins employs mezzotint to render Lawrence’s likeness. The velvety blacks and subtle gradations of light define the form. Editor: Mezzotint—a labor-intensive process. It highlights the dedication to craft involved in replicating an image, a stark contrast to our digital age. Curator: Precisely. The composition guides our eye from the bright face down the dark cascade of his coat. It’s an elegant hierarchy. Editor: It certainly elevates Lawrence, imbuing him with an aura of importance. The medium itself suggests a level of prestige and value assigned to image production at that time. Curator: Indeed. A masterful exercise in tonal control and composition. Editor: An interesting insight into the materiality of portraiture, and its role in constructing status.