Peter LaBagh 1793 - 1811

James Sharples rendered this portrait of Peter LaBagh in pastel on paper. The composition, with its somber palette, is dominated by muted grays and blacks, punctuated only by the pale tones of the subject's face and neck. Sharples masterfully uses shadow and light to sculpt LaBagh’s profile. The linear quality of the silhouette against the dark background emphasizes the subject's serious demeanor. The soft textures of the pastel medium add a layer of complexity, contrasting with the crisp lines defining his features. Consider the work's semiotic function; the profile view, a conventional format for formal portraiture, traditionally conveys a sense of reserve and authority. The subject's dark coat, stark against the light background, further reinforces a mood of sober reflection. The artist’s formal choices function not just aesthetically but also culturally, inviting us to consider how identity and representation are constructed through visual language. Sharples’ pastel portrait creates a complex dialogue between form, material, and cultural meaning.