Artwork
Portrait of Sir John Macpherson, 1st Baronet, Governor-General of India
Portrait of Sir John Macpherson, 1st Baronet, Governor-General of India is an unspecified portrait miniature by the British Romanticist artist John Smart. It dates from 1787 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. This portrait miniature is a detailed drawing of a man in a green jacket with gold trim, created using watercolor and white highlights.
About this work
These kinds of portraits were often kept in lockets or small frames, meant to be carried or given as gifts.
This is a small, detailed portrait of a man in a green jacket with gold trim. His powdered hair is tied back, and he has a slight smile.
It’s not a painting—it’s a finished drawing, likely made with watercolor and white highlights. The artist paid close attention to the fabric of the jacket and the soft folds of the cravat. These kinds of portraits were often kept in lockets or small frames, meant to be carried or given as gifts.
If you like this, look up other works from England, 18th century.
Overview
This portrait miniature is a detailed drawing of a man in a green jacket with gold trim, created using watercolor and white highlights.
Subject & Meaning
The subject is Sir John Macpherson, a Scottish-born administrator who served as acting governor-general of India from 1785 to 1786. His tenure was marked by controversy, and he was known for his charm and linguistic abilities, as well as his avarice and questionable ethics.
Technique & Style
The drawing is characterized by its high level of finish, with intricate details such as the fabric of the jacket and the folds of the cravat. The artist, Smart, signed and dated the work '1787 Madras', indicating it was created while Macpherson was preparing to leave India.
History & Provenance
The portrait was likely created as a personal keepsake or gift, given its small size and intimate nature. A label from Colnaghi, a well-known art dealer, was once attached to the reverse, but was removed after the work entered the museum's collection.
Artist & collection
Artist
John Smart (1 May 1741 – 1 May 1811) was an English painter who specialised in portrait miniatures. He was a contemporary of Richard Cosway, George Engleheart, William Wood and Richard Crosse.
