Ritratto di notabile nel suo studio
Thomas Hudson (Devon 1701 - Londra 1799)
Thomas Hudson
(Devon 1701 - London 1799)
Portrait of a notable in his study
Oil on canvas
124 x 102 cm.
In antique frame 142 x 120 cm.
The fascinating portrait on offer is a fine testimony to the portraiture that flourished in England in the eighteenth century; London, the beating heart of a vast empire, became within a few years the center of world trade and of industrial, economic and financial activities.
Our effigy is certainly a distinguished exponent of this period, depicted with those traits of authority and moral rigor that lead us to identify him as a prominent member of high society.
He is presumably a man of law, a lawyer, notary or magistrate, but he could also be a political figure of the time or a wealthy merchant.
His charm aligns with the character and strong temperament with which he has been skillfully immortalized, as he consults one of the tomes stored on his sumptuous carved and gilded bureau, while in the background we see a prestigious setting with tall marble columns.
The majesty of the dress, consisting of a white smocked shirt, a vest and a velvet jacket with wide lapels, indicate the high office occupied and relevant social status.
The proposed work is attributed to the hand of English painter Thomas Hudson, originally from Devon, although he spent much of his painting career in London, initially a pupil of Jonathan Richardson.
Hudson was very prolific between 1740 and 1760 and, from 1745 until 1755, was London's most famous portrait painter; he visited the Netherlands in 1748 and Italy in 1752; In London he studied under the auspices of Jean-Baptiste Van Loo, whose fashionable practice he was able to follow.
As we can see in our portrait, Hudson inherited the solemn prose of both his master Richardson and Van Loo, and his work turned to the more formal and traditional models that resisted the introduction of portraiture into the “genius” exploited by Highmore and Hogarth.
Many of Hudson's works can be seen in art galleries across the United Kingdom: among them the National Portrait Gallery, the National Maritime Museum, Tate Gallery, the Foundling Museum and the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
The work sold is complemented by an antique gilded wooden frame and comes with a certificate of authenticity and guarantee.
We take care of and arrange transportation of the purchased works, both for Italy and abroad, through professional and insured carriers.
You can also see the painting in the gallery in Riva del Garda, we will be glad to welcome you to show you our collection of works.
Please contact us, without obligation, for any additional information.
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