John Rolle Walter, Mp and Landowner, Exeter 1753

Pompeo Batoni painted this portrait of John Rolle Walter, a Member of Parliament and landowner from Exeter, during a time when social status was visually communicated through portraiture. Batoni was a sought-after artist among the British elite for his ability to capture the grandeur and self-confidence associated with wealth and power. Walter's identity as a landowner and MP is intrinsically linked to the historical context of British colonialism and class structure. The fur around his neck is a symbol of luxury, indicating his high social standing and likely obscuring the labor and resources extracted from others to maintain this lifestyle. This portrait operates not just as an image of an individual, but also as an artifact of power, reflecting the systems that enabled his privilege. Batoni’s technical skill and Walter’s composed expression invite a dialogue about the relationship between personal identity, societal expectations, and historical forces.