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John Hobart, 2nd Earl of Buckinghamshire (1723-1793)
Thomas Gainsborough·1784
Historical Context
John Hobart, 2nd Earl of Buckinghamshire (1723–1793), painted in 1784 by Gainsborough and held by the National Trust, depicts a diplomat and politician who served as ambassador to Russia and Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. Gainsborough’s portrait conveys the earl’s political authority with the restrained natural dignity characteristic of his mature style. The National Trust’s collection of historic portraits preserves works in their original country house settings.
Technical Analysis
Gainsborough presents the earl with the restrained elegance of his mature portrait style, using warm tones and fluid handling. The atmospheric softness and subtle characterization are typical of his late aristocratic portraits.
Look Closer
- ◆Notice the restrained elegance of the mature portrait style: Gainsborough gives the Earl presence without resorting to props or theatrical staging.
- ◆Look at the atmospheric softness of the background: this is the mature London style at full development, background dissolved to near-nothing.
- ◆Observe the warm tones and fluid handling of the coat and accessories: diplomatic and political authority rendered in paint without ostentation.
- ◆Find the face: Gainsborough's psychological acuity is present even in more formal commissions — Buckinghamshire looks like a man with things on his mind.
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