Matthew Boulton, F.R.S.

About this work

This is a black-and-white portrait of a man in a dark coat and white cravat, sitting with one hand resting on a table. Behind him, a small landscape shows buildings by a river, and a tray holds folded cloths. The man’s face is serious, with short curly hair and a slight frown. The artist used a printmaking method called *mezzotint*, which creates deep shadows and smooth tones—notice how the light falls softly on his face. This was made in 1796. If you like this style, look up *chiaroscuro* next to see how artists use light and dark for drama.