Frederick Frankland

Maker William Hogarth (British, 1697-1764)

SitterSitter: Frederick Frankland (British, 1685 - 1768)

ClassificationsPAINTINGS

Dateca. 1739-1740

Mediumoil on canvas

Dimensions50 x 39 1/2 in. (127 x 100.3 cm.) frame: 57 3/4 × 47 1/2 × 2 3/4 in. (146.7 × 120.7 × 7 cm.)

DescriptionIn this portrait, the sitter is shown in three-quarter length in a dark interior. Seated in in an armchair at a desk, Frankland holds papers in front of him. He wears a rich brown velvet coat ornamented with gold braid and breeches, with white ruffles at neck and sleeves.

Credit LineThe Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens

Status

On view

Label TextThe simplified palette mainly consisting of brown and white tones gives an impression of sobriety to this portrait. However, a few objects disclose the wealth and social status of Frederick Frankland, director of the Bank of England and member of the British Parliament. The sitter is portrayed as a distinguished man at his desk holding a letter. Seated in a fi ne upholstered armchair, the sitter rests his left arm on a table covered with a sumptuous Turkish carpet. Silk, velvet, and linen used for clothing, accessories, and home furnishings were all luxury textiles in 18th-century England. While linen was a European good, silks and velvets were often imported from Asia.

Bibliography

British paintings at the Huntington

Object number34.4