Mrs. Abington Possibly 1772

Editor: This is "Mrs. Abington," possibly from 1772, found at the Art Institute of Chicago. It's a print, and I’m struck by the oval framing; it's almost like looking into a locket. What do you see in this portrait? Curator: The oval, as you noted, speaks to intimacy, but I'm drawn to the way she averts her gaze. It isn't a direct challenge or invitation, but something more…knowing. Consider how portraits of the era often used symbols to telegraph status. How do you interpret her dress and hairstyle within that visual language? Editor: Well, the elaborate lace and the towering hair suggest wealth, right? But there’s also a sense of…performance? Like she’s very aware of being observed. Curator: Precisely. And that is revealing of 18th-century society and the growing role of the celebrity. This image would have been reproduced and widely distributed. Do you see any contrast in how Reynolds’s original portrait captures Abington, versus how Judkins renders her in the engraving? Editor: Hmmm, Reynolds probably captured something very personal, whereas the engraving disseminates a particular version for public consumption. It's fascinating how the print solidifies the image and the status associated with it. Curator: Indeed. And it reminds us of how images can serve as both mirrors reflecting individuality, and meticulously crafted projections influencing public perception. Food for thought, isn't it? Editor: Definitely. This really broadened how I see portraits from this period. It's more complex than just showing wealth and status!