Portret van Martin Folkes 1741 - 1754

James McArdell created this mezzotint portrait of Martin Folkes sometime between 1729 and 1765. The composition is dominated by the sitter’s figure, rendered with a rich tonal range that emphasizes the textures of his garments and the contours of his face. This formal approach serves not merely to depict likeness but to convey a sense of the sitter’s presence and status. The use of light and shadow is particularly striking. McArdell uses chiaroscuro to sculpt Folkes' features, drawing attention to his eyes and the set of his mouth, endowing him with an air of contemplation and authority. The dark background contrasts with the luminosity of his face and the ornate details of his attire, creating a visual hierarchy that reinforces Folkes’ importance. The portrait engages with Enlightenment ideals of reason and order, while simultaneously acknowledging the social hierarchies of the time. The formal elements of the artwork work together to construct a carefully calibrated image of power, intellect, and social standing.