Jacob Morland of Capplethwaite 1763

Editor: This is a portrait of Jacob Morland of Capplethwaite by George Romney. I notice the gun and dog - he's clearly posed as a landowner. What can you tell me about this work? Curator: Consider how portraiture like this historically functioned to solidify power. The landed gentry, like Morland, were deeply invested in maintaining their status. How does the presence of the dog and gun reinforce ideas about class and privilege? Editor: I guess hunting was a symbol of wealth and control? Curator: Precisely. And it extends beyond that. Think about land ownership, colonial exploitation, and how these images contributed to a very specific, and often exclusionary, narrative of British identity. What do you make of the landscape in the background? Editor: It almost seems secondary, controlled. I see the image as perpetuating a certain power dynamic and that’s worth exploring. Curator: Absolutely, this is how we can engage with art, unpacking these historical representations and inviting critical dialogue.