William Murray, 1st Earl of Mansfield 1779 - 1802

This is Francesco Bartolozzi’s rendering of William Murray, 1st Earl of Mansfield, and it exists as a window into the complex relationship between power, identity, and representation in the 18th century. Bartolozzi, an Italian artist working in England, captures Mansfield, a prominent judge, in a style that speaks to the aesthetics of the period, with a focus on portraying status and intellect. Yet, Murray's legacy is deeply entwined with his legal opinions on slavery, which, while complex, played a significant role in shaping the lives and identities of countless individuals. Consider how the image evokes not only the individual but also the broader narratives of justice, law, and the lived experiences of those historically marginalized. The portrait makes visible the entanglements of personal identity and wider socio-political issues.