Peter Newcome c. 18th century

Curator: The somber mood is immediately striking in this portrait of Peter Newcome by George Vertue. Editor: I am intrigued by the process used to produce this image. It is clearly some form of printmaking, likely engraving. The labor that went into producing so many fine lines... Curator: The portrait's power resides in Newcome's symbolic presence. The elaborate wig and formal attire speak of authority and status, likely conveying a sense of established power within his time. Editor: Yes, but it is also about the act of creating and disseminating images. The artist, George Vertue, lived from 1684 to 1756, and produced this portrait to serve as a public record, an accessible representation of the man. Curator: So the reproduction itself amplifies the imagery, disseminating the notion of Newcome’s importance to a wider audience. Editor: Exactly. We should remember artmaking involves labor, production, and the social context it inhabits. Curator: Well, by reflecting on both the symbolism and the materiality, we can appreciate the complex layers within this portrait.