John Whitgift c. 18th century

Editor: Here we have George Vertue’s portrait of John Whitgift, residing at the Harvard Art Museums. I am struck by the density of the engraving, and how it is framed. What elements of composition stand out to you? Curator: Note the intricate framing, both the oval surrounding Whitgift and the rectangular border. They utilize complex, repeated motifs, which are reflected again in the patterns of his clothing and the hatching used to create tonal variation in the face. How does this repetition affect the viewer's perception of the subject? Editor: It creates a sense of formality, perhaps even rigidity. I’m now aware of how the composition reinforces the subject's status and power. Curator: Precisely. The artist's rigorous control over line and form serves to monumentalize Whitgift. Perhaps we should consider the historical function of portraiture.