Portret van Anne Dawson als Diana 1754 - 1755

James McArdell created this mezzotint portrait of Anne Dawson as Diana, likely sometime in the mid-18th century. The artwork reflects the fashion for aristocratic portraiture in Britain at the time, particularly the vogue for representing society figures in the guise of mythological characters. Here, Anne Dawson is cast as Diana, the Roman goddess of the hunt. She is holding a spear and wears a crescent moon in her hair, a familiar attribute of the goddess. Note the presence of the dog, and the rolling hills in the background, evoking the countryside settings associated with Diana. It is worth remembering that aristocratic identity was strongly linked to land ownership and country pursuits. This artistic choice wasn't merely aesthetic; it reinforced the sitter's elevated social status. Historians can delve into estate records, fashion trends, and even mythological texts to uncover the full significance of such portraits. The meaning of art is always contingent on its social context.