Artwork

Portrait of Captain George Edgcumbe, later 1st Earl of Mount-Edgcumbe (1720-1795)

Portrait of Captain George Edgcumbe, later 1st Earl of Mount-Edgcumbe (1720-1795) is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Joshua Reynolds. It dates from 1767 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Ireland.

About this work

Overview

This oil painting, created around 1767, is a portrait of Captain George Edgcumbe, a British naval officer who later became the 1st Earl of Mount Edgcumbe. It is the work of Sir Joshua Reynolds, a prominent English portrait painter.

Subject & Meaning

The subject is depicted wearing a dark blue coat with gold trim and a red vest, signifying his status as a high-ranking military officer. His calm demeanor and formal attire convey a sense of dignity and authority.

Technique & Style

The portrait is executed in the Rococo style, characterized by the use of rich colors and ornate details, such as the gold stitching on Edgcumbe's coat. The contrast between the subject's well-lit face and the dark background creates a sense of depth and focus.

History & Provenance

The painting is now part of the National Gallery of Ireland's collection. Reynolds, who painted it, went on to become the first president of the Royal Academy of Arts and was knighted in 1769.