Portret van Anthony Maddox 1731 - 1775

Richard Houston created this mezzotint portrait of Anthony Maddox in the mid-18th century. Notice how the composition divides the figure into distinct zones, with the sharp horizontal line of the table creating a visual barrier. The subject’s elaborate attire, rendered with meticulous detail, contrasts sharply with the flat, neutral background. The portrait exists as a play between surface and depth. Houston uses the mezzotint technique to explore gradations of light, creating an almost tactile quality in the rendering of fabric and skin. But, the portrait does more than capture a likeness; it reflects the power structures of its time. The subject's clothing signifies wealth and status, inviting us to consider the role of fashion as a semiotic system. Consider how the rigid pose, coupled with the soft textures, creates a sense of controlled display. This is not just a portrait of an individual, but a statement about class and representation, where even the most minute detail serves a symbolic function.