Portret van John Reynolds 1757

James McArdell produced this mezzotint portrait of John Reynolds in the mid-18th century. The print offers a glimpse into the institutional world of the Church of England and elite educational establishments. Reynolds is portrayed wearing the garb of a high-ranking cleric, his pose and setting speaking to his status. He was a Fellow of Eton College and Canon of St. Peter's, Exeter. The books in the background may be a visual signifier of his erudition and accomplishments within the church system. But the print also invites us to consider the network of patronage and influence that underpinned the Church of England at this time. To understand the full meaning of this image, we can consult archival records, institutional histories, and genealogical resources. These can tell us more about the social and political context in which Reynolds lived and worked. This portrait is then not simply an image of an individual, but also an artifact of a particular time and place.