Who painted Peter Beckford (1740-1811), godsejer, Dorset.?

Peter Beckford (1740-1811), godsejer, Dorset. was painted by Unknown in 1766.

Where can I see Peter Beckford (1740-1811), godsejer, Dorset.?

Peter Beckford (1740-1811), godsejer, Dorset. is held by Statens Museum for Kunst.

What movement is Peter Beckford (1740-1811), godsejer, Dorset.?

Peter Beckford (1740-1811), godsejer, Dorset. is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

Peter Beckford (1740-1811), godsejer, Dorset.

Unknown , 1766

Peter Beckford (1740-1811), godsejer, Dorset. is a photography by the Romanticist artist Unknown. It dates from 1766 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst. Created in 1766, this oil on canvas portrait depicts Peter Beckford (1740–1811), a landowner from Dorset.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1766, this oil on canvas portrait depicts Peter Beckford (1740–1811), a landowner from Dorset. The work is part of the collection of the Museum of Ethnography and is attributed to the artist identified in the catalogue as 32101_person.

Subject & Meaning

The central figure is a gentleman dressed in a vivid red coat edged with silver, holding a white handkerchief. He stands before a stone statue of a seated woman, accompanied by a smaller carved figure at the base, while a lean brown dog looks up at his feet. The composition suggests a blend of personal status and classical references.

Technique & Style

The painter employs careful modeling of light and shadow to give the scene a three‑dimensional quality. The use of chiaroscuro highlights the textures of the fabric and stone, while the soft green landscape in the background provides atmospheric depth.

History & Provenance

The portrait was produced in the mid‑18th century, likely commissioned to commemorate Beckford’s social standing. It entered the Museum of Ethnography’s holdings through acquisition records that trace its provenance back to the original family collection.

Context

Beckford’s depiction aligns with the period’s portrait tradition, where affluent individuals were shown in elaborate attire against symbolic backdrops. The inclusion of classical sculpture and a domestic animal reflects contemporary interests in antiquity and pastoral idealism.