Captain John Joseph Vernon, 3rd Dragoon Guards 

George Romney painted this oil on canvas portrait of Captain John Joseph Vernon in England, during the late 18th century. It is a representation of British military and aristocratic culture. This image conveys a sense of authority and status through visual codes, and it is a commentary on the social structures of its time. Vernon's red uniform and the way he holds his hat signify his military rank and social standing. This type of portraiture was typical of the era, reflecting the importance of social class, military achievement, and the institutions which upheld them. To understand this artwork better, one might research the history of the British military, the social role of portraiture in the 18th century, and the biography of George Romney. Art historians can use these resources to better understand the social and institutional contexts of the work. The meaning of this artwork is contingent on its social and institutional context.