Artwork

Colonel Richard Neville

Colonel Richard Neville, by William Dobson, oil, 1638
Colonel Richard Neville, by William Dobson, oil, 1638

Colonel Richard Neville is an oil painting by William Dobson. It dates from 1638 and is held in the collection of the Ashmolean Museum.

About this work

Overview

This oil painting, created around 1638, is a portrait of Colonel Richard Neville by William Dobson, a prominent English portraitist of his time.

Subject & Meaning

The portrait depicts Colonel Richard Neville in military attire, accompanied by a dog, conveying a sense of solemnity and gravity. Neville is shown wearing a yellow jacket with gold trim and holding a black helmet, while the dog stands beside him.

Technique & Style

Dobson's work reflects the influence of European artists such as Titian and Anthony van Dyck, evident in the composition and use of color. The dark background, with a faint image of horsemen, adds depth to the portrait, while the somber mood is achieved through Dobson's use of muted tones.

History & Provenance

The painting is part of the Ashmolean Museum's collection. Dobson, baptized in 1611 and buried in 1646, was one of England's earliest notable painters, establishing himself as a leading portraitist during a formative period in English art.

Artist & collection

Portrait of William Dobson

Artist

William Dobson

William Dobson (4 March 1611 (baptised); 28 October 1646 (buried)) was an English painter who specialised in portrait painting.

Ashmolean Museum

Museum

Ashmolean Museum

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