Portrait of John Davies Gilbert 1829 - 1834

John Linnell rendered this portrait of John Davies Gilbert in graphite and watercolour. The image presents us with a man of science and property, who also served as a Member of Parliament in Britain. It subtly reinforces the importance of social standing and intellectual pursuits. This was a period of significant social and political change, and portraits like these were crucial in defining and maintaining the status quo. In Britain, the emerging middle class sought to assert their place in society through patronage of the arts and sciences, and by aligning themselves with institutions like the Royal Society, of which Gilbert was president. We can understand portraits as visual documents that reflect the evolving social dynamics of British society, and the ways in which people sought to position themselves within it. To further understand this portrait, it would be beneficial to research Gilbert's involvement in scientific and political circles, as well as the artistic networks in which Linnell operated.