Portraits of Kings and Queens of England 

This is the cover of 'Portraits of Kings and Queens of England' by John Chapman, from the early 19th century. It is a fascinating item, not just as a collection of royal portraiture, but as a cultural object. Consider the role of portraiture in constructing national identity at this time. Chapman's book emerges during a period of intense national self-definition. The very act of compiling these portraits speaks to the desire to create a visual record of English history and monarchy. The book's design, with its use of sturdy binding, suggests a certain degree of luxury, perhaps intended for a middle-class audience keen to display their knowledge of national history. Understanding the social conditions of its production and consumption helps us to interpret the meaning of this object. Historians might consult print records, publishing archives, and period reviews to understand the book's place in early 19th century English society. Ultimately, this book's importance lies in what it tells us about the cultural and institutional forces at play in the construction of national identity.