John W. Oglander (c.1737–1794), Warden of New College (1768–1794) 1778

George Romney painted this portrait of John W. Oglander, Warden of New College, sometime in the late 18th century. During this period, portraiture became a tool to assert status and character, particularly for men in positions of authority. Oglander's poised demeanor and the trappings of his academic role—the quill pen and formal attire—speak to his identity as an educated, influential figure in Georgian society. Yet, it's important to note the limits of this representation. The portrait is a carefully constructed image of power and respectability, which tells us little about the inner life or the social complexities of the sitter, or of the artist who made it. The image is also interesting for what it leaves out. What social groups or identities are missing from this picture? The focus on individual achievement often obscured the labor and social hierarchies that supported such positions of privilege. The portrait invites us to consider the stories that remain untold.