Artwork
Portrait of a Gentleman
Portrait of a Gentleman is a graphite drawing by the Baroque artist Thomas Forster. It dates from 1704 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Portrait of a Gentleman is a graphite drawing on parchment created by Thomas Forster in 1704, currently housed at the National Gallery of Art in Washington.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing depicts a gentleman with curly hair and a solemn expression, dressed in a ruffled shirt with lace cuffs, his hand resting on a dark, unidentified fabric. The plain background emphasizes the subject's face and attire.
Technique & Style
Executed solely in graphite on parchment, the work exhibits a soft, sketchy quality. The style appears antiquated, characteristic of its time, with the artist's name, 'Forster', signed in the corner.
History & Provenance
Created in 1704, the drawing is part of the National Gallery of Art's collection in Washington, though specific details of its acquisition or previous ownership are not provided here.
Context
The use of graphite (often referred to as plumbago at the time) on parchment was a common practice for portraits in the early 18th century, reflecting the artistic materials and preferences of the period.
Artist & collection
Artist
Thomas Forster, of Adderstone Hall, Northumberland, was an English landowner and Tory politician who sat in the House of Commons from 1708 to 1716.
