Sir Edward Hales, Baronet, of Hales Place, Hackington, Kent 1744

This is Philippe Mercier’s portrait of 'Sir Edward Hales, Baronet, of Hales Place, Hackington, Kent.' The prevailing visual experience stems from the composition, where Hales is centrally positioned, flanked by the contrasting textures of nature and the smooth varnish of his garb. His garments are rendered in great detail, reflecting the social status of the subject. Mercier employs a semiotic system. Hales's upright posture and placement of his rifle act as signifiers of authority and control, while the slain animals and hunting dog symbolize man's dominion over nature. The artist is playing with notions of space, perception and representation to create a visual narrative, using formal elements to reflect the subject’s identity and social standing. The cultural codes of aristocracy and landownership are embedded within its visual language. The painting invites us to consider how it engages with the structure of eighteenth-century social discourse.