Post #3

In my first two blog posts I discussed the theme of portraits of European elites with African slaves. Within this theme I decided to focus on the Portrait of the Duchess of Portsmouth made by Pierre Mignard in 1682. It is important to understand the basics behind portraitures in this time period. During the 17^th and 18^th centuries, portraits were used as a medium of self-representation.  The individual in the portrait conveyed information about themselves through their clothes, setting, props, and sometimes subordinate figures such as slaves (Figures of Empire). Many times, these objects were not recognized as subjects in their own right (Figures of Empire). During this period, an increasing number of slaves from Africa and the Caribbean traveled to Europe due to the high progress in the region, especially in Britain.

The Duchess in the portrait above was Louise de Kéroualle, the mistress of King Charles II. In her portrait we find the Duchess very finely dressed, displaying her astonishingly white skin, along side a young African slave. During this time, the whiter the skin a member of a society had, the higher class they were. This was because it showed that they had slaves doing the work needed outside of their homes, keeping them inside and with low skin coloration. The slave, very finely dressed as well, holds on her hand a coral filled with pearls. The fine clothing, her skin color, and the precious materials shown in the portrait represent the Duchess’ high-class status.

The first impression the viewer gets with this image is that there is some kind of relationship between the young slave and the Duchess. The slave has an expression of admiration; looking at her from below. The relationship seems as if the Duchess has the young slave as her “right hand”. Ironically, there was actually no relationship between the slave and the Duchess. After looking at various sources, I was not able to find any information describing who the young slave is. This further emphasizes the point that there was no relationship between the Duchess and the slave. The slave could have been just a regular servant, but the expressions on the portraiture do not convey a simple relationship between them. It seems as if the only reason the slave is in the portrait is to show the Duchess’ wealth; she is just an object used to transmit a message.

           

The slave and the coral are a representation of the trade between Africa and Europe. This is a very important factor in the portrait. Slaves were one of the most admired luxuries in Europe during the 17^th century. It was one of the main interests Europeans had from the African region. On the other hand, Africans were interested in the products made in Europe (although most were already produced in Africa). European products presented prestige and was a luxury not many Africans could have. Among these goods are the rare corals; one of which the young slave is holding. Its quite ironic that she is holding in her hand, innocently, a product that is used to acquire slaves just like her.

Sources

"Figures of Empire: Slavery and Portraiture in Eighteenth-Century Atlantic Britain." Figures of Empire: Slavery and Portraiture in Eighteenth-Century Atlantic Britain. Yale Center for British Art, 2 Oct. 2014. Web. 9 Apr. 2015.