Henry Revell Reynolds, M.D. 1798

Editor: This is a portrait of Henry Revell Reynolds, M.D., by Valentine Green. It's stately and somber. What can you tell me about the context of portraiture like this? Curator: It reflects the cultural importance placed on commemorating individuals of status in the late 18th century. Consider the power dynamics embedded within such images. Editor: Power dynamics? Curator: How does the portrayal, including the subject's pose, clothing, and even the book, reinforce or challenge societal norms of the time? Who was able to commission and control these images? Editor: So, it's not just about capturing a likeness, but about shaping public perception? It makes me think about the purpose of images in our modern social media.