Portret van John Armstrong 1753

James McArdell made this mezzotint portrait of John Armstrong sometime before 1765. The image presents its subject as a figure of authority and status, but what does this tell us about the role of portraiture at the time? Made in Britain, the portrait uses visual codes like armour and an oval frame to construct an image of a military hero. The armour is especially interesting, for it evokes a sense of tradition and authority, while the soft, tonal qualities of the mezzotint technique give the portrait a striking sense of immediacy. The print was made during the height of the British Empire, when images of military figures were used to promote patriotism and national pride. These prints were often displayed in public places, such as taverns and coffee houses, where they served as conversation pieces and symbols of national identity. Art history can help us understand the complex relationship between art, power, and society, but only if we examine the full range of historical resources.