Edward, Viscount (later Earl) Ligonier

Maker Thomas Gainsborough (British, 1727-1788)

SitterSitter: Edward, Viscount (later Earl) Ligonier (British, 1740 - 1782)

Collections

ClassificationsPAINTINGS

Date1770

Mediumoil on canvas

Dimensions94 x 62 in. (238.8 x 157.5 cm.)

DescriptionStanding to right, full-length, full front, the face three quarters right. His right arm rests on his horse's saddle, a black and gold-laced hat in the hand; the left hand on his sword hilt. Weight on the left leg. A gray horse stands across the center, its head turned three-quarters right. Lord Ligonier's hair is powdered, with three curls over the ear; his cravat is white, his coat scarlet, with gold lace and blue-black revers and cuffs. His vest and breeches are buff; his knee boots black; around his waist a rose scarf. Trees right and left, sky background.

Credit LineThe Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens

Label TextLord Ligonier, a distinguished soldier, is shown as the embodiment of military bravado. Draping his arm confidently over the back of his horse, he turns his head and looks to the right, where the companion portrait of his wife is hung. While on a brief visit to the country house of George Pitt, Gainsborough was surprised to find two full-length unpainted canvases. Pitt intended the artist to paint Lord and Lady Ligonier, his daughter and son-in-law, and had obtained the canvases, according to Gainsborough, “in readiness to take me prisoner for a month’s work.”

Status

On view

Object number11.30