William Loughton Smith 1792 - 1798

This is a watercolor on ivory portrait of William Loughton Smith, created by Archibald Robertson. Smith was a prominent South Carolina lawyer and politician who served in the U.S. House of Representatives. Portraits like this played a crucial role in shaping political and personal identities in the early republic. Note the elegance and refinement of Smith’s attire, meant to convey his status and taste. This representation supported the power structures of the time, reflecting the ideals of a young nation still grappling with questions of equality and representation. Consider how Robertson's work fits into a longer history of portraiture, where representation becomes a tool for constructing and reinforcing social hierarchies. While seemingly traditional, it offers a glimpse into the negotiations of identity and power during a formative period in American history.