Thomas GAINSBOROUGH
English 1727-1788
An officer of the 4th Regiment of Foot
c. 1776-80
oil on canvas
230.2 x 156.1 cm
Felton Bequest 1922
1223-3

The young officer is posed slightly to the right of centre so Gainsborough could include an elaborate seascape in the background and draw attention to the storm clouds. These qualities indicate his knowledge of portraits by Flemish artist Van Dyck, who employed similar devices. This is indicative of the strong influence Van Dyck had on English portraiture.

By the 1770s, Gainsborough had mastered the art of the full-length portrait and he often portrayed soldiers and naval officers standing casually and confidently in a natural setting. The rugged landscape and dramatic clouds form a telling contrast with the relaxed pose and calm appearance of the sitter. The dog gazes adoringly at him, indicating that the soldier is deserving of devotion and faith.

The uniform is that of an officer in the Grenadier and Light Companies of the 4th Foot Regiment, which fought in the American campaign between 1776 and 1780.