An Allegory of Britain's Naval Might 

Robert Smirke made this drawing, *An Allegory of Britain's Naval Might*, using pen and brown ink with a wash on paper. The delicate, linear quality of the drawing defines the figures, giving them a classical feel. But look closer and you'll see that this isn’t just about aesthetic choices; it’s a direct reflection of England’s imperial aspirations and the labor needed to realize them. Smirke’s choice of medium allowed for the efficient production of preparatory studies, facilitating the planning and execution of larger-scale works, like prints. In a burgeoning capitalist system, efficiency was key. The allegorical figures— Britannia, the lion, the naval forces—they all speak to Britain's self-image as a powerful maritime empire. The drawing may seem like a straightforward celebration of British power, but it is also about the economic system that fueled it. The labor of countless sailors, shipbuilders, and merchants made that power possible. By understanding the materials and making of this artwork, we gain insight into the social and economic context that shaped it.