Portrait of Robert Henley, Second Earl of Northington 1782

This is Joshua Reynolds' portrait of Robert Henley, Second Earl of Northington. Reynolds was a leading portrait painter in 18th century Britain. Portraits like this were vital to solidifying the identity and status of the British elite. Henley’s gaze conveys authority, and his powdered wig and elaborately ornamented coat mark his social position. Yet, consider for a moment the historical context: Henley was a politician during a time of immense colonial expansion, and his wealth and status were inextricably linked to the exploitation and suffering of others. While Reynolds' technical skill is evident, one might ask how such images participated in constructing a narrative of power that often obscured the realities of the time. How do we reconcile the artistic achievement with the uncomfortable truths of history? Consider the weight of history, the visible and invisible legacies of power, and the stories that portraits like this both tell and conceal.