Sir Charles Price (1748–1818) 19th century

Curator: What a striking little object. We’re looking at a 19th-century ivory relief, a portrait pendant of Sir Charles Price. Editor: It has an air of almost severe formality. The crisp profile, that bright gold frame… it’s the kind of image that whispers of societal expectations and self-presentation. Curator: Indeed. What is so remarkable about this work, in particular, is the material—ivory. In carving this portrait, the artisan was clearly highly skilled, not just in depicting likeness but in manipulating a very specific, valuable resource. Think about the history embedded in ivory, its colonial connections, its role as a luxury commodity. Editor: It’s fascinating how a single object can compress so much cultural weight. The choice of ivory undoubtedly signified status, power. The Neoclassical style, too, speaks of emulating ancient virtues and projecting a specific image of refined authority. Curator: Exactly. The creation of the pendant involves not only artistry but the entire network of trade, labor, and access that allows for ivory to be fashioned into such a thing. I wonder about the workshop it came from, and the availability of this material at this moment. This raises complex questions of consumption. Editor: I am struck by how, even at this scale, the portrait speaks volumes about the desire for lasting impressions. Look at the way his wig is so carefully rendered, and the details on his jacket, like that flourish of frills and the careful lines. These images served to prolong legacy through symbolism that was accessible to certain viewers, but could be decoded at many levels of power. Curator: Thinking about this small object and its layered complexities encourages us to recognize a range of narratives involved in its creation. From extraction and workmanship to economic realities and historical echoes. Editor: Absolutely. And for me, considering Sir Charles, there is a persistent fascination of the individual ambition, the desire to be remembered a certain way. An intriguing meditation on identity and power rendered on a miniature scale.