Nathaniel, Lord Crewe 

John Riley painted Nathaniel, Lord Crewe, using oil on canvas. Notice the emphasis on the materiality of clothing. The rendering of Crewe's garments showcases the artist’s mastery and understanding of fabrics and their properties: The stark white sleeves appear soft and flowing, while the black robe has a sleek, almost reflective surface, creating a play of light and shadow. Such attention to detail was not merely decorative. In the seventeenth century, clothing was a marker of social standing and an indication of wealth and power. The expensive materials and elaborate tailoring signified Crewe's status as a member of the English nobility and a high-ranking clergyman. Riley’s ability to capture these details demonstrates his skill in translating social values into visual form. Paying close attention to the materials and their representation opens up a rich field of interpretation, revealing much about the society that produced and valued this work.