William Axtell 1746 - 1752

John Wollaston painted this portrait of William Axtell during a time when the American colonies were solidifying their identities, a period of burgeoning wealth and complex social hierarchies. Axtell stands before us, embodying the ideals of the colonial gentleman through his confident pose and elegant attire. The fine details of his coat, trimmed with gold, and the delicate lace at his wrists, speak to his affluence. Yet, this portrait also hints at the complicated realities of colonial life, built as it was on the exploitation and displacement of others. Axtell's wealth and status were inextricably linked to the labor of enslaved people and the dispossession of indigenous populations. In this context, the portrait prompts reflection on the power dynamics inherent in representation. Wollaston’s approach emphasizes the sitter’s status, while subtly acknowledging the larger social structure that allowed it. It invites us to consider whose stories are told and whose are left out.