Gabriel Manigault 1757

Jeremiah Theus painted this portrait of Gabriel Manigault using oil on canvas. The powdered wig, a dominant symbol here, speaks volumes about status and identity in the 18th century. Consider how this fashion, adopted from the French court, traversed Europe and even the American colonies, becoming a visual shorthand for authority and refinement. The wig’s presence in portraits of this era extends beyond mere representation; it evokes a sense of classical revival, linking the wearer to notions of Roman gravitas. The powdered wig echoes the elaborate hairstyles of ancient sculptures, embodying a desire to connect with the perceived wisdom and stability of past empires. This desire taps into a deep-seated human longing for order, influencing fashion and art. The wig, as a powerful cultural symbol, reflects our cyclical return to historical motifs.