John Bradburne 1800

This is a portrait of John Bradburne by Thomas Lawrence, made with oil paints on canvas. Oil paint has a unique capacity to capture subtle gradations of light and shadow. Here, Lawrence uses it to create a soft, almost luminous effect, particularly noticeable in the subject's face and neckcloth. The application of paint is also quite telling. Notice the visible brushstrokes, particularly in the background and clothing. This shows a move away from the highly polished surfaces of earlier portraiture, toward a more expressive, immediate style. Such painterly effects were highly valued in Lawrence's time, prized as evidence of the artist's skill and individual touch. The very facture of the painting becomes part of its meaning, an index of the artist's labor. The painting also reminds us that portraiture in this era was a luxury, affordable only to the wealthy. Ultimately, understanding the materials and making of this painting gives us a deeper appreciation of its cultural and social significance.