Portret van Sir Charles John Napier 1854

This is a print of Sir Charles John Napier by Marie-Alexandre Alophe. It offers an interesting case study into the role of art in constructing social and political status in 19th century Europe. The image creates meaning through familiar visual codes, particularly the tradition of military portraiture. The naval uniform, medals and sword are visual cues denoting military power and authority. Made in France, this work participates in a longer tradition of using portraiture to celebrate military figures. Sir Charles Napier, a figure of the British Empire, would likely be seen very differently in different parts of the world, either as a hero or a villain. As historians, understanding the politics of imagery involves researching the historical context in which it was produced and the values it seeks to promote. This kind of research helps us understand the public role of art and its function within complex cultural and institutional settings.