Fame & Faces

The prominence and popularity of portraiture during the 18th century meant that the public profiles of elite families, particularly those of privileged women, reached unprecedented levels. In some cases, sitters could rise in social standing as a result of skilful portraits and the fame that ensued, signalling the emergence of the modern-day celebrity as we know it. Portraits celebrated the virtues of women as mothers or accomplished ladies, and significant moments in life were commemorated with a portrait, bringing women into the public realm at a time of expanding female social and intellectual opportunities. But portraiture was soon followed by caricature, and there is a sharp contrast between the grand manner portraits, conversation pieces, and satirical prints - which had a moralising function. This book explores the portrayal of women in the reign of George III, a defining age of British art.