Henry Hope (1735/36–1811), after Jones 1802

This is an enamel miniature on copper of Henry Hope made by Henry Bone, an artist known for his copies of Old Master paintings and portraits of the British elite. Looking at this image, we might consider the role of portraiture in solidifying social status in late 18th and early 19th century Britain. Hope was a wealthy merchant banker. As such, this image signifies his position as a leading member of a powerful financial class. Bone's choice of enamel, a durable and precious material, further emphasizes Hope’s wealth and status. The miniature format also speaks to the intimacy and exclusivity of the sitter's social circle. Historical records of banking families, studies of portraiture in the period, and genealogical research can help us understand how the elite maintained their power through images and objects like this one. It is through this combination of formal analysis and social history that we can truly understand the cultural work performed by art.