Dr. Jonathan Potts (1745-1781) 1770 - 1776

Henry Benbridge painted this portrait of Dr. Jonathan Potts using oil on canvas. The smooth surface is characteristic of the period, and was achieved through careful layering and blending of pigments. Look closely, and you'll see the almost imperceptible brushstrokes. The way the paint is manipulated gives the artwork a sense of formality and refinement, which was so valued at the time. The choice of oil paint itself is significant. Its durability and ability to capture fine detail made it the preferred medium for portraiture among the upper classes. This portrait not only showcases Benbridge's skills as a painter, but also reflects the social status of the sitter, Dr. Potts, and the aspirations of a society eager to emulate European gentility. Consider how the material and its application contribute to the overall impression of wealth and status, blurring the lines between artistic skill and social aspiration.