John Milton (1608–1674) 1800 - 1815

This is William Brown's die-cast metal portrait of John Milton, made sometime between 1784 and 1825. Brown's neoclassical style harkens back to antiquity, positioning Milton as an iconic figure worthy of immortalization. Milton's own life and work were deeply intertwined with the political and religious upheavals of 17th-century England. As a staunch defender of liberty and republicanism, he challenged traditional hierarchies. Consider how Milton, despite his own blindness, gave voice to complex moral struggles, particularly in Paradise Lost. Brown's portrait captures Milton's likeness but it also evokes the weight of intellectual and political conviction. It prompts us to reflect on the power of words and ideas to shape our understanding of self, society, and the divine.