Mrs Cecilia Lock 1797

This is a portrait of Mrs. Cecilia Lock, made with oil on canvas by Thomas Lawrence, in the late 18th or early 19th century. Lawrence was known for his technical skill and ability to capture the likeness and character of his sitters, using methods associated with the British portrait tradition. He applied multiple layers of paint to create subtle gradations of tone and texture, giving a sense of depth and realism to the composition. The choice of materials and the skilled application of paint contribute to the perception of social status. Consider the labour involved in producing not only the painting, but also the clothing worn by the sitter. The time and resources required to create such garments speak to the wealth and privilege of both the artist and sitter, reflecting the social and economic structures of the time. By attending to the materials, making, and social context of a work like this, we can challenge traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.