Man in broad brimmed hat (sketchbook page) 1775 - 1815

This is a graphite sketch on paper, titled "Man in Broad Brimmed Hat", by Thomas Stothard, an English artist who lived during a time of significant social and political change. Created during an era defined by strict social hierarchies and burgeoning class consciousness, the sketch offers a glimpse into the visual culture of late 18th-century England. The attire of the subject, from the broad-brimmed hat to the tailored coat, speaks to a certain level of affluence and belonging to the gentlemanly class. Yet, within the simplicity of the sketch lies a more complex narrative about identity and representation. How does Stothard’s rendering of the man reinforce or subvert prevailing notions of masculinity and social status? What does it mean to capture a person in such a fleeting, informal way? It invites us to consider the unspoken stories behind the image. It prompts us to reflect on the ways in which individuals navigate and perform their identities within the confines of their social roles.