William Gregory 

John Riley painted this portrait of William Gregory in England sometime before his own death in 1691. Gregory’s wig, robe, and the overall style of the painting situate him within the upper echelons of late 17th century English society. Riley, who served as court painter for a short time, and other artists like him, were essential in visually representing the hierarchy of British social classes. It’s worth noting that Gregory’s likeness is captured in oil paint, which was an expensive medium at the time, and therefore indicates his wealth and status. Interestingly, this particular painting was presented to Cornwall in 1830 by a Member of Parliament. This act of donation speaks to how images of power and authority serve a purpose within specific communities and institutions. To better understand this work, we would need to research both the sitter and the artist, as well as explore the portraiture conventions of this historical period.