A coachman 1790 - 1814

This portrait of ‘A Coachman’ was made by Robert Dighton the Elder using etching and aquatint, which are printmaking techniques that allow for the creation of nuanced tonal effects. The lines of the etching define the figure, while the aquatint gives depth to his clothing and form. The man’s attire speaks volumes. The high boots, the tailored jacket, and the hat – all were expertly crafted, representing a significant investment of labour and resources. His clothing is not just functional; it is a statement of status. The whip, lightly sketched, is a tool of the trade but also a symbol of control. Dighton was known for his portraits of Londoners, often with a satirical edge. Here, he captures not just the man but the social fabric of his time. The coachman is a cog in the machine of 18th-century commerce and society, a system dependent on the labour of many to facilitate the comfort and mobility of a few. Considering materials and processes, we move beyond mere representation and touch the economic and social underpinnings of the artwork.