Mrs Cadoux c. 1770

Editor: This is "Mrs. Cadoux," an 18th-century portrait by an unknown British artist, housed at the Tate. The subject’s elaborate dress and poised stance suggest wealth and status. What can you tell me about this painting in its historical context? Curator: Well, consider the era. The 18th century saw a rise in portraiture as a means of displaying social standing. How does Mrs. Cadoux’s attire – the fabric, the lace – speak to the economic landscape of the time and the power structures it upheld? Editor: It definitely emphasizes luxury, and I guess, the artist's skill in rendering it. Were portraits like this always straightforward representations, or was there room for interpretation? Curator: Interpretation was key. The backdrop, the pose, even the objects held – like the book here – all contributed to a constructed image of the sitter's identity, reflecting societal ideals and aspirations. It's about public persona as much as personal likeness. Editor: So, it’s not just about who she was, but who she wanted to be perceived as? Curator: Precisely. And who the patrons wanted to see themselves as. Considering this, what does this tell us about the values of the time? Editor: That’s a fascinating perspective, I never thought about portraits that way. Curator: It really makes you think about what is concealed in plain sight.