Portrait Of James Hamilton, Earl Of Arran 2013

Why is this portrait so unconventional? 🤔🎨 The past and the present collide in Kehinde Wiley’s bold oil painting Portrait of James Hamilton, Earl of Arran (2013). The painting forms part of Wiley’s ‘World Stage’ series, which modernises traditional British portraits from the 17th and 18th centuries. The title of this painting references a 1623 portrait by Daniel Mytens the Elder (1590-1647), now in the Tate Collection. The 1623 portrait depicts a wealthy nobleman who was executed during the English Civil Wars. Wiley transforms the portrait by replacing the figure of the Earl of Arran (1606-1649) with a Jamaican model in contemporary clothing. This use of historical reference encourages the viewer to reflect on the culture of colonialism and oppression which underpins traditional aristocratic portraiture. The subject of Wiley’s portrait stands proudly as he gazes directly out of the canvas to interact with the viewer. His direct gaze suggests confidence and poise. He wears a vibrant patterned shirt and bold jewellery, reinforcing this impression of self-assurance. The striking print of his shirt contrasts with the intricate pattern of the background. The floral background is taken from a Victorian wallpaper design by William Morris (1834-1896). The vivid colours and ornate details juxtapose the sombre backgrounds that characterise 17th century portraiture. The contemporary American painter Kehinde Wiley (born 1977) specialises in powerful portraits of Black people in historical contexts. These portraits question established narratives and force the viewer to acknowledge racial exclusion. He is best known for his 2018 portrait of President Barack Obama. What do you think about Wiley’s reimagining of the traditional portrait? 💬 Editor: Lucy Jude Grantham