Elias Ashmole 1687

John Riley painted this portrait of Elias Ashmole sometime in the late 17th century. Ashmole was an antiquarian, politician, and student of esoteric sciences during a time when England was experiencing rapid political and social change. Portraits like these were often about constructing and communicating status. Ashmole’s lace collar, flowing wig, and heavy gold chain speak to wealth and position, but they also reveal something about the performance of masculinity during the period. It's a moment of both power and elaborate artifice. Riley’s work captures not just the likeness of a man, but also provides a glimpse into the complex ways identity was curated and conveyed in the cultural landscape of 17th-century England. This portrait offers a window into the social and intellectual life of the period, inviting us to consider the personal stories and societal forces that shaped individuals like Ashmole.