Portret van Eduard van York 1762 - 1775

Richard Houston made this mezzotint portrait of Edward, Duke of York and Albany, sometime around 1750 in England. The image participates in a culture of royal portraiture, examples of which could be found in homes, taverns, and public buildings throughout the British Empire. By the mid-18th century, the mezzotint printmaking technique had become the primary means of reproducing British portraits. Houston, like many engravers, relied on paintings by court artists for his compositions. In this print, the Duke is shown in a decorative oval frame, wearing an ornate jacket and sash. Details like these would have signaled the Duke’s status and power to viewers. We might consider how the image functions to reinforce social hierarchies and royal authority. Does it uphold or challenge existing social norms? Further study of Houston's other works, period newspapers, and the records of print publishers could reveal the extent of this portrait’s circulation, and offer insights into its social and political impact.