Artwork
Joseph Planta (1744–1827), Principal Librarian (1799–1827)
Joseph Planta (1744–1827), Principal Librarian (1799–1827) is an oil painting by Thomas Phillips. It dates from 1817 and is held in the collection of the British Museum.
About this work
This portrait depicts a man with white hair, dressed in a black coat over a white shirt and tie.
This portrait depicts a man with white hair, dressed in a black coat over a white shirt and tie. He holds a book in his left hand, with his right arm resting on a table. The background features a reddish-brown curtain.
The man's attire and hairstyle suggest a formal setting, possibly from the 18th or 19th century. The book he holds may indicate his profession or interests.
To learn more about the artist who created this portrait, look up Thomas Phillips.
Overview
This oil painting, created by Thomas Phillips around 1817, is a portrait of Joseph Planta, who served as Principal Librarian of the British Museum from 1799 to 1827. The work is part of the British Museum's collection.
Subject & Meaning
The portrait depicts Joseph Planta formally attired in 18th or 19th-century clothing, holding a book that likely signifies his professional or intellectual pursuits as a librarian.
Technique & Style
Phillips, known for his portraiture, rendered Planta in a formal setting against a reddish-brown curtain, capturing the subject's likeness in a traditional representational style characteristic of early 19th-century portrait painting.
Artist & collection
Artist
Thomas Phillips (18 October 1770 – 20 April 1845) was an English painter who specialised in portrait painting. He painted many of the notable men of the day including scientists, artists, writers, poets and explorers.
