Artwork
Portrait of John Allen of Bridgewater
Portrait of John Allen of Bridgewater is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Thomas Frye. It dates from 1739 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Ireland.
About this work
Overview
The Portrait of John Allen of Bridgewater is an oil painting created by Thomas Frye in 1739. It is now part of the National Gallery of Ireland's collection.
Subject & Meaning
The portrait depicts John Allen standing in an opulent room, dressed in 18th-century attire. He is posed with his right hand on a table and holding a yellow cloth in his left hand, conveying a sense of elegance and refinement.
Technique & Style
The painting is characterized by its use of chiaroscuro, a technique that utilizes strong contrasts between light and dark to create depth and volume. The rococo style is evident in the work's overall aesthetic, marked by the grand room's ornate details and the subject's elaborate clothing.
History & Provenance
Thomas Frye, the artist, was born in Ireland around 1710 and later managed the Bow porcelain factory in London. He was known for his portraits in oil and pastel, as well as his mezzotint engravings.
Artist & collection
Artist
Thomas Frye (c. 1710 – 3 April 1762) was an Anglo-Irish artist, best known for his portraits in oil and pastel, including some miniatures and his early mezzotint engravings. He was also the patentee of the Bow porcelain…
Portrait of a Man
Portrait of James Quin (1693-1766), Actor
Portrait of a Man Standing Beside a Table
Portrait of Joseph Leeson, later 1st Earl of Milltown (1711-1783)
Portrait of Thomas Sheridan (1719-1788)
Portrait of James Fitzgerald, 20th Earl of Kildare, later 1st Duke of Leinster
Portrait of a Gentleman
Nathaniel Sparhawk
Portrait of Jonathan Swift (1667-1745), Satirist
William Axtell
Portrait of John Percival, later 2nd Earl of Egmont (1711-1770)