William, Lord Maxwell 

John Riley painted William, Lord Maxwell, in oil, capturing the symbols of power and lineage so crucial to the sitter’s identity. The ermine-trimmed robe, a garment heavy with history, speaks of nobility and the right to rule, a concept stretching back to ancient Roman senators and reappearing in countless royal portraits across Europe. Notice the crown, not worn but placed casually beside him. It’s a fascinating detail. It’s a potent symbol of authority, a visual shorthand for divine right. Consider, though, how the presentation contrasts with the way crowns were displayed in medieval tapestries. Here, the crown is not suspended above a ruler in the heavens, rather it is placed as an accessory, more akin to a fashion statement. The placement of the hand upon the books alludes to his wisdom and governance. These are all loaded signifiers, intended to transmit a clear message about Lord Maxwell’s status, linking him to a lineage of power. But look closer, and you might sense the subtle anxiety of maintaining such an image, the weight of history pressing down.