Harriet Churchill, Lady Fawkener 1760

Jean-Étienne Liotard captured Harriet Churchill, Lady Fawkener, with pastels, a medium that lends itself to both formality and intimacy. Liotard, an astute observer of cosmopolitan life, situates Lady Fawkener within the shifting social and cultural landscapes of 18th-century Europe. The portrait offers a glimpse into the world of aristocratic women, whose identities were often intertwined with social expectations and performative roles. Consider the contrast between the delicate lace of her sleeves and the dark shawl that covers her shoulders, a visual representation of the layers of identity and expectations placed upon women of her status. This tension makes me think about the performative aspects of identity, particularly how women navigate societal expectations. Liotard’s approach to portraiture complicates traditional representations of women in art, inviting us to reflect on the complex interplay between social roles, personal identity, and artistic expression.