Who painted John Barker (1707–1787)?

John Barker (1707–1787) was painted by Joshua Reynolds in 1786-01-01.

Where can I see John Barker (1707–1787)?

John Barker (1707–1787) is held by Metropolitan Museum of Art.

What movement is John Barker (1707–1787)?

John Barker (1707–1787) is associated with Rococo painting.

Can I buy a print of John Barker (1707–1787)?

Museum-quality prints of John Barker (1707–1787) are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

John Barker (1707–1787)

Joshua Reynolds

John Barker (1707–1787) is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Joshua Reynolds. It is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Technique & Style

7 cm in width, a large-scale format consistent with formal, full-length or three-quarter-length presentation portraits of the period.

The portrait is executed in oil paint on canvas, a standard medium for Reynolds's portrait practice. The work measures 173.4 cm in height by 120.7 cm in width, a large-scale format consistent with formal, full-length or three-quarter-length presentation portraits of the period.

Stylistically, the painting belongs to the genre of portraiture, depicting a male sitter. Reynolds's handling reflects the Grand Manner tradition associated with British portraiture of the late eighteenth century.

The painting is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. No specific information about condition, conservation history, or particular stylistic analysis is provided in the available sources.

History & Provenance

The portrait of John Barker was painted by Joshua Reynolds in 1794, executed in oil on canvas as a representation of the banker and politician. The work is now held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Beyond its current institutional ownership, the available records do not document the intermediate owners, the circumstances of its commission, or the chain of custody that brought it to the museum.

Overview

Joshua Reynolds, a leading English portraitist of the 18th century, created this oil painting depicting John Barker. The work exemplifies Reynolds's celebrated "Grand Style," which aimed to idealize his sitters. Barker is presented as an esteemed figure, characteristic of the artist's later career.

This significant example of British portraiture is currently part of the collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Subject & Meaning

The portrait features John Barker, an older gentleman, seated formally in a rich interior. He wears a distinguished red coat and a white wig, holding a piece of paper, suggesting a man of intellect or affairs. Reynolds sought to transcend mere likeness, presenting Barker with an air of dignity and importance.

This approach aligned with the prevailing desire for portraits that conveyed status and virtue rather than just physical appearance.