Artwork
Portrait of an Oxford Undergraduate, perhaps Sir Henry Delves Broughton, Bt
Portrait of an Oxford Undergraduate, perhaps Sir Henry Delves Broughton, Bt is an oil painting by Thomas Phillips. It dates from 1817 and is held in the collection of the Ashmolean Museum.
About this work
Overview
This oil painting, created by English portraitist Thomas Phillips around 1817, depicts a young man believed to be Sir Henry Delves Broughton, Bt, in Oxford undergraduate attire. The work is now part of the Ashmolean Museum's collection.
Subject & Meaning
The subject is identified by his academic regalia: a black robe with white fur trim and a graduation cap, signifying his status as an Oxford undergraduate. However, the face is rendered indistinct, obscuring clear identification.
Technique & Style
Phillips employed oil paint to capture the scene, with notable attention to the detailed, symbolic academic dress. The background, featuring a stone building against a blue sky with clouds, is less detailed, with the subject's face surprisingly blurred.
History & Provenance
Attributed to 1817, the painting is attributed to Thomas Phillips, known for portraits of influential figures. Its current location is the Ashmolean Museum, though earlier ownership history is not specified here.
Context
The work reflects Phillips' focus on portraying early 19th-century luminaries across various fields. The depiction of an Oxford undergraduate aligns with this theme, highlighting academic achievement among the era's elites.
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.
