Study of a Seated Man [recto] 

Allan Ramsay, a leading Scottish portrait painter, created this sketch of a seated man using graphite on blue paper. Ramsay, who moved in privileged social circles, presents us with a man dressed in the fashion of the upper class. The sketch gives us insight into the identity of someone who would have been considered powerful in the 18th century. We see the man's posture; it is relaxed, but also controlled. The lack of facial details encourages viewers to consider broader questions about identity and representation. Who was this man, and what can we infer about his life and status based on his clothing and posture? While seemingly simple, this drawing opens a window into the nuances of class and social identity in 18th-century Britain. The emotional connection arises from the intimacy of the sketch, inviting us to reflect on the individuals who shaped history.