Joseph Brotherton (1783–1857), MP

This dignified portrait captures Joseph Brotherton (1783–1857), a prominent Member of Parliament, by the hand of Will H. Bradley. While Bradley is best known as a pioneering American Art Nouveau illustrator and graphic designer, this painting offers a glimpse into another facet of his artistic output. Bradley, often nicknamed the 'Dean of American Designers,' was celebrated for his innovative posters and magazine advertisements, drawing heavily from the Arts and Crafts Movement and Japanese block printing, and was compared to his English contemporary Aubrey Beardsley. Though his primary medium was posters, he also worked in oil, as evidenced by his work 'Aurora' (1894) in the Met Museum collection. This portrait of Brotherton likely predates the height of his Art Nouveau poster fame, or represents a private commission. It showcases a more traditional approach to portraiture, contrasting with the bold, two-dimensional style he popularized in American graphic design. It's a testament to Bradley's versatility and his significant impact across various artistic fields, from illustration and typography to early film direction.