Portret van Henry Clarke 1739 - 1756

This is John Faber the Younger’s portrait of Mr. Henry Clarke. Faber, who lived from 1684 to 1756, was working in a London that was rapidly becoming the center of global trade and colonial power, a world in which portraiture served to reinforce the social status of its sitters. In this print, Faber skillfully uses the conventions of portraiture to convey Clarke’s status. Clarke is depicted with carefully styled hair and refined clothing, his gaze direct and confident. The drape of fabric to the side and architectural elements create a sense of depth and grandeur, framing Clarke as a figure of importance. However, it is important to consider how such images contributed to a visual culture that often excluded or misrepresented those outside of this elite circle. While portraits like these celebrated individual success, they also underscored the social hierarchies and inequalities that defined 18th-century British society. The image reflects both personal identity and the broader socio-political context of the era.