Portret van George I, koning van Groot-Brittannië en Ierland 1722

John Faber the Younger created this print of George the First, King of Great Britain and Ireland, sometime in the first half of the 18th century. It presents a formal image of the monarch, intended for wide distribution. Prints like this one served a crucial purpose in the 18th century. They helped to solidify the image of the new Hanoverian dynasty in the minds of the British public. The image draws on established visual codes of power, such as the royal robes and elaborate wig, to convey authority and legitimacy. Faber was part of a well-established printmaking trade, and such images would have been displayed in public spaces and private homes alike. The print also reminds us of the often-overlooked role that visual media plays in shaping political power and national identity. To understand this print fully, we might consult sources from the period, such as newspapers, pamphlets, and other visual materials. By examining the print in its original context, we can gain a deeper appreciation of its historical significance.