Portrait of a Gentleman c. 1760

Joseph Blackburn painted this portrait of an unknown gentleman in the colonies of North America, sometime in the mid-18th century. We can see the institutions of art asserting themselves through this artwork. For instance, the sitter's clothing, from the powdered wig to the elaborately embroidered waistcoat, signals the wealth and social standing that was becoming increasingly important in colonial society. The architectural background and draped curtain are visual codes that signified a certain level of sophistication, and knowledge of European culture. Blackburn himself was an itinerant artist, moving from place to place to find work, which tells us about the economic realities of artistic production at this time. Surviving bills and ledgers are also useful resources. By understanding the social and institutional context of this painting, we can better understand its meaning and significance as a historical document.