Basil William Lord Daer (1765-1795) 1794

Curator: James Tassie's portrait of Basil William Lord Daer captures the likeness of a Scottish nobleman who was known for his reformist politics and connections to early socialist thought. Editor: It's striking how the artist has created a sense of restrained elegance. The clean lines and subtle modeling give it a neoclassical feel, almost like a cameo. Curator: The intaglio itself certainly presents a formal depiction of aristocracy, but Daer's radical political leanings place him at odds with the aristocratic norms of his time. He actively supported the French Revolution. Editor: So the formal visual language actually creates a tension when we consider the subject's biography. The precision is really quite remarkable—look at the way the light falls on his hair. Curator: Exactly. Tassie's ability to capture Daer's likeness while Daer simultaneously fought against classist systems provides us with a lens into the complexities of late 18th century social movements. Editor: I appreciate seeing how that tension informs our reading of the portrait. It makes us consider the interplay between appearance and reality.