print, engraving
portrait
baroque
historical photography
engraving
Dimensions: height 352 mm, width 248 mm
Copyright: Rijks Museum: Open Domain
James McArdell created this mezzotint portrait of William Pulteney in the 18th century. Note the symbols of status: the elaborate wig, the fine clothing trimmed with lace and fur, and the walking stick, each a calculated demonstration of wealth and social position. The wig, in particular, carries a heavy cultural weight, echoing the elaborate hairstyles of ancient royalty. It transforms over time from a symbol of power to one of profession and respectability, much like the scepter of a monarch evolving into the gavel of a judge. Consider the ring on Pulteney's finger. Through the ages, rings have symbolized power, commitment, and identity. From the signet rings of ancient rulers to contemporary wedding bands, this circular emblem represents a continuing cycle of human experience. These symbols are not static. They echo and morph across centuries, engaging our subconscious and reminding us of the ever-evolving dance between past and present.
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