Portret van Elizabeth Chudleigh als Flora 1767

Richard Brookshaw created this mezzotint portrait of Elizabeth Chudleigh as Flora in the 18th century, a period when the language of classical allegory was commonly deployed to ennoble the wealthy. Here, the elite woman is dressed as Flora, the Roman goddess of flowers and spring, with a garland in her hair and blossoms adorning her dress, as she poses in front of an ornate vase and idealized landscape. The tradition of aristocratic portraiture served to enhance the sitter’s status, while also reflecting the patron’s taste and cultural capital. The pose and costume are part of a visual code. We might ask, how does this image create meaning through cultural references and historical associations? The visual language and idealized setting are designed to elicit admiration and respect, reflecting the values of the British upper class and the institution of portraiture. Historians consult sources like letters, diaries, and financial records to better understand the social and institutional contexts in which art is created.