Portrait of George Cholmondeley, 1st Marquess of Cholmondeley 

Pompeo Batoni painted this portrait of George Cholmondeley using oil paints, a medium that had become increasingly refined since the Renaissance. Oil paint is made by suspending colored pigments in oil, usually linseed. The paint's consistency allows for layering and blending, crucial to achieve the illusion of depth and texture evident in Cholmondeley’s powdered wig and the intricate details of his military uniform. The application of oil paint requires a practiced hand, moving from rough blocking to precise detail. Batoni’s skill captures not just likeness, but also the social standing of his sitter. The very act of commissioning such a portrait speaks to Cholmondeley's wealth, a product of the labor of others. Batoni’s mastery of the medium served as a powerful tool for portraying status in a society increasingly defined by class and commerce. Considering the materials and processes used reveals how art and craft intersect. The portrait isn't just a painting; it's a cultural artifact, reflecting the economic and social dynamics of its time.