Richard Bancroft c. 18th century

Editor: Here we see George Vertue's engraving, Richard Bancroft. The detail is amazing! How does this portrait fit into the history of representing religious figures? Curator: Well, portraiture of religious figures often served as a tool for establishing authority and commemorating legacies. Consider how the ornate frame and inscription contribute to Bancroft’s image as a powerful Archbishop. How might this image have circulated and been received in its time? Editor: I hadn't thought about its circulation. So, this wasn’t just art for art's sake. Curator: Precisely. Images like these were deeply entwined with the politics and power structures of the era, shaping public perception and reinforcing social hierarchies.