William Gordon of Fyvie (British Army Officer) 1765

Pompeo Batoni painted this portrait of William Gordon, a British Army officer, probably in the 1760s, likely in Rome. Notice the setting: classical ruins, and a statue of Minerva, goddess of wisdom and warfare. This combination speaks to the cultural aspirations of the British elite at the time, eager to associate themselves with the glories of the ancient world. But look closer and you will see that Gordon is dressed in a kilt. What are we to make of this mix of Scottish and Roman symbols? The answer lies in the complex politics of the time. The Jacobite risings had challenged the authority of the British state, and Highland dress was associated with rebellion. Yet, by the time this portrait was painted, kilted regiments were playing an important role in the expansion of the British Empire. We need to look at sources such as military records, political pamphlets, and literature to get a deeper understanding of the changing social and political context of this painting.