Adam Ferguson 1782

This portrait of Adam Ferguson was painted by Joshua Reynolds, likely in the late 18th century, using oil on canvas. Reynolds built his reputation painting portraits. Here, the material's inherent qualities are evident in the smooth, almost porcelain-like finish of Ferguson’s face, achieved through layers of glazing. Look closely at the way Reynolds has manipulated the oil paint to capture the sheen of the sitter's white hair and the soft texture of his ruffled cuffs. The application is skillful, almost effortless. Yet, portraits like this represented many hours of labor, both for the artist and the sitter, who would have had to remain still for extended periods. Reynolds was at the top of his profession, catering to the elite. His art embodies the era’s complex relationship between labor, class, and consumption. By focusing on the materials and the making, we gain a richer understanding of the social context in which this artwork was created.