Portrait of Bolingbroke c. 19th century

Curator: Gifford's small pen and brown ink drawing, "Portrait of Bolingbroke," captures the sitter in profile. There's a kind of directness here, wouldn’t you say? Editor: Yes, a very stark, almost clinical, study. The sharp lines around the nose and the bald head give him a severe, intellectual air. Makes me wonder, who was Bolingbroke? Curator: Henry St. John, 1st Viscount Bolingbroke, was a prominent Tory politician and philosopher in the early 18th century, known for his political writings and influence on later conservative thought. This image, though, feels like an informal study, maybe for a larger, more formal portrait that was never realized. Editor: Right, the sketchiness adds to that sense of immediacy. It doesn't feel like it's trying to convey some grand, political message. It’s more intimate. Curator: Exactly. It's fascinating to see how Gifford, primarily known for his landscapes, approaches portraiture. It has a certain psychological depth despite its simplicity. It’s a glimpse into a sharp mind, captured by another perceptive one. Editor: It’s a reminder that even in a quick sketch, an artist can convey so much about the sitter's perceived character and about his own way of seeing the world.