William Robinson, later Sir William Robinson, Knt.

Maker Godfrey Kneller (British, 1646 - 1723)

SitterSitter: William Robinson, later Sir William Robinson Knt. (British, 1643 - 1712)

ClassificationsPAINTINGS

Date1693

Mediumoil on canvas

Dimensions50 x 40 3/8 in. (127 x 102.6 cm.) frame: 59 3/4 × 49 3/4 × 3 1/2 in. (151.8 × 126.4 × 8.9 cm.)

DescriptionIn this half-length portrait of William Robinson, the sitter holds a sheet of paper, on which is a drawn figure of an oval within a parallelogram. His right hand, at hip level, points to the left.

SignedSignature; Date G.K. 1693

Credit LineThe Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens. Gift of Beatrix Farrand

Status

On view

Label TextKneller produced a distinguished image of British architect, military engineer, and politician Sir William Robinson. In this portrait, meant to elevate the sitter’s status and impress the viewer, Robinson wears fashionable clothes and accessories, such as a wine-brown cloak, a cravat with loose ends, and a long peruke, a wig that was highly popular in the 17th and 18th centuries. A drawing in his hand showing a geometric design probably refers to Robinson’s mathematical interests and engineering work. With his right hand, the sitter points to distant war ships, which may allude to his activities in the army during war time when Robinson held several posts managing provisions and resources allocated to the military in Ireland.

Bibliography

British paintings at the Huntington

Object number34.2