Artwork

Caricature of Sir William Lowther and Joseph Leeson, later Ist Earl of Milltown

Caricature of Sir William Lowther and Joseph Leeson, later Ist Earl of Milltown is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Joshua Reynolds. It dates from 1751 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Ireland.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1751 by Sir Joshua Reynolds, this oil painting presents a pair of gentlemen in elaborate eighteenth‑century attire. The composition contrasts a rigid, hat‑holding figure with a more animated companion who leans forward, smiling and gesturing. Warm earth tones dominate, set against a dark backdrop that isolates the subjects.

Subject & Meaning

The work portrays Sir William Lowther alongside Joseph Leeson, who would later be ennobled as the first Earl of Milltown. While Lowther appears solemn, Leeson’s grin and pointing gesture suggest a moment of informal exchange, perhaps hinting at a private joke or a document being discussed.

Technique & Style

Reynolds employs a loose, sketch‑like handling of flesh and fabric, characteristic of his early experiments with the rococo idiom. The brushwork is fluid, especially in the rendering of the clothing’s folds, while the chiaroscuro of the dark background emphasizes the warm palette of browns, creams and a touch of red.

History & Provenance

The painting entered the collection of the National Gallery of Ireland, where it remains on view. Its provenance traces back to the artist’s studio, reflecting Reynolds’s practice of producing informal group portraits for his aristocratic patrons.

Context

At the time of its execution Reynolds was establishing his reputation as a leading portraitist and would soon become a founding member and first president of the Royal Academy of Arts. The informal, almost caricatural treatment of the sitters anticipates his later emphasis on character over strict likeness.