Who painted Retrato de Sir Richard Glode d'Orpington?

Retrato de Sir Richard Glode d'Orpington was painted by John Russell in 1770.

Where can I see Retrato de Sir Richard Glode d'Orpington?

Retrato de Sir Richard Glode d'Orpington is held by National Museum of Ancient Art.

What movement is Retrato de Sir Richard Glode d'Orpington?

Retrato de Sir Richard Glode d'Orpington is associated with Rococo painting.

Artwork

Retrato de Sir Richard Glode d'Orpington

John Russell , 1770

Retrato de Sir Richard Glode d'Orpington is an unspecified painting by the Rococo painting artist John Russell. It dates from 1770 and is held in the collection of the National Museum of Ancient Art.

About this work

Overview

John Russell’s 1770 oil portrait presents Sir Richard Glode d’Orpington, a senior military figure, in a restrained composition. The work is part of the collection of Portugal’s National Museum of Ancient Art, where it is displayed among other eighteenth‑century European portraits.

Subject & Meaning

The sitter is shown with a solemn expression, white hair, and a dark blue uniform trimmed in red and gilt shoulder ornaments, indicating his high rank and the decorum expected of an officer of his standing. The restrained pose and muted backdrop convey authority and a measured dignity typical of formal military portraiture of the period.

Technique & Style

Russell employs a subtle chiaroscuro, modelling the face and fabric with delicate gradations of light and shadow that give the figure a three‑dimensional presence. The restrained colour palette—deep blues, reds, and gold—combined with fine brushwork on the uniform’s details, creates a realistic yet composed rendering characteristic of late‑Baroque portraiture.

History & Provenance

Completed in 1770, the portrait entered the National Museum of Ancient Art’s holdings through acquisition in the early twentieth century, though earlier ownership records are sparse. Its presence in the museum reflects the institution’s broader effort to represent European portraiture alongside its extensive collection of Portuguese art.