Portret van Joan Somes c. 1683 - 1688

Isaac Beckett made this mezzotint print of Joan Somes in England in the late 17th or early 18th century, and it's a window into the social world of the time. Looking at the portrait, we see visual codes of wealth and status, from her elegant dress to the elaborate backdrop. The presence of the dog speaks to her position in society, as dogs were often associated with the aristocracy. England at this time was a place of rigid social hierarchies, and portraiture like this played a key role in reinforcing those structures. Artists like Beckett were part of an industry that catered to the wealthy, producing images that flattered their patrons and reinforced their sense of importance. The Royal Academy, founded later, would solidify these artistic norms. To understand this print fully, we need to dig into the history of portraiture, the economics of art patronage, and the social structures of the time. Art history isn't just about aesthetics; it's about understanding the complex interplay between art, power, and society.