Who painted Matthew Fortescue (1791-1845) of Stephenstown?

Matthew Fortescue (1791-1845) of Stephenstown was painted by Henry Raeburn in 1799.

Where can I see Matthew Fortescue (1791-1845) of Stephenstown?

Matthew Fortescue (1791-1845) of Stephenstown is held by National Gallery of Ireland.

Artwork

Matthew Fortescue (1791-1845) of Stephenstown

Matthew Fortescue (1791-1845) of Stephenstown is an oil painting by Henry Raeburn. It dates from 1799 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Ireland.

About this work

Overview

Created circa 1799, this oil portrait presents Matthew Fortescue of Stephenstown, a young Irish gentleman, standing before a muted landscape. He is dressed in a brown coat, white shirt and tan vest, hands placed on his hips, against a backdrop of a cloudy sky and distant trees. The work exemplifies the portrait genre and is part of the National Gallery of Ireland’s collection.

Subject & Meaning

Matthew Fortescue, born in 1791, is shown at an early stage of his adult life, conveying confidence through his relaxed posture and direct gaze. The composition situates him within a natural setting, suggesting a connection to his estate and the broader landscape of his social standing, while the serene atmosphere reflects the genteel confidence expected of a landowner of his era.

Technique & Style

The painter employs a restrained palette of earth tones, allowing the brown coat and tan vest to stand out against the softer hues of sky and foliage. Subtle modeling of light on the figure’s features creates depth, while the atmospheric background, rendered with delicate brushwork, adds a sense of space without detracting from the sitter’s presence.

History & Provenance

The portrait was executed by Sir Henry Raeburn, a leading Scottish portraitist who served as Portrait Painter to King George IV in Scotland. After remaining in private hands for much of the 19th and early 20th centuries, the painting entered the National Gallery of Ireland, where it is displayed as part of the institution’s holdings of British and Irish portraiture.