Curatorial notes
Joshua Reynolds painted this portrait of Dr. John Armstrong in England, likely in the latter half of the 18th century. Reynolds was a key figure in the establishment of the Royal Academy, and portraits like this were central to his practice. Here, Dr. Armstrong's fashionable wig and refined dress speak to his status within the educated professional class of his time. The image creates meaning through its subtle visual codes: it projects an image of sophistication and intellectual authority. To better understand a portrait like this, we might research the sitter's profession and social standing. Looking at the history of institutions like the Royal Academy can give us purchase on the way artistic styles and careers were made at this time. The portrait presents a particular view of this man. As historians, our job is to unpack the social conditions that made that view possible.
