Half-Length Portrait of Woman in Profile, Facing Right n.d.

Peltro William Tomkins created this half-length portrait of a woman in profile with graphite on ivory paper. The oval format and delicate lines evoke the Neoclassical style popular in late 18th-century England. Tomkins' work provides a glimpse into the visual culture of his time, reflecting the era’s emphasis on elegance and refinement, and a classical aesthetic inspired by ancient Greece and Rome. During this period, the Royal Academy, founded in 1768, played a crucial role in shaping artistic taste and providing instruction, but the market for prints and portrait miniatures existed outside of these formal institutions. Tomkins occupied an interesting place in the art world, as he served as both a drawing master and printmaker to the Queen. Analyzing portraits like this one, we can delve deeper into the social and cultural values of the time. By examining other prints, paintings, and historical documents, we can understand the role of art in constructing and reinforcing social identities in 18th-century England.