Susannah Inman Linzee (Mrs. John Linzee) (1745-1792) 1782

Editor: Here we have Sir George Chalmers's portrait of Susannah Inman Linzee. She looks… reserved, almost stoic. What can you tell me about this work? Curator: Portraits like this tell us a lot about social status. Susannah's dress, her hairstyle, the setting - all carefully constructed to project an image of wealth and refinement. Note how her gaze engages the viewer, asserting her place in society. Editor: So it's about more than just capturing a likeness? Curator: Precisely! It’s about the performance of identity within a specific socio-political context. The museum displaying it also reinforces that power structure. Editor: That makes me see it in a completely different light. Thanks! Curator: My pleasure! It is important to remember how art serves and reflects power.