Lieutenant Colonel L. Robson, CMG, DSO 

Richard Jack created this portrait of Lieutenant Colonel L. Robson using oil paint on canvas. It’s an interesting choice of material, when you think about it. Oil paint had become the dominant medium for portraiture by this point, but it also has a longer association with depicting luxury, pleasure and wealth. The smooth, blended finish of the painting speaks to a well-established set of techniques, passed down through academic training. Notice how the artist has handled the subtleties of light and shadow on Robson's face, giving him a sense of gravitas. At the same time, the portrait commemorates a military man who risked his life in service to the British Empire. This contrast between the material and the subject matter raises questions about how we commemorate heroism and the cost of war. Should such portraits be seen as straightforward celebrations, or as more complex reflections on the human cost of conflict? By considering the materials and methods used, we can see how this portrait engages with both individual stories and wider social issues.