Artwork

Portrait of William Anne Hollis, 4th Earl of Essex, Presenting a Cup to Thomas Clutterbuck of Watford

Portrait of William Anne Hollis, 4th Earl of Essex, Presenting a Cup to Thomas Clutterbuck of Watford is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Thomas Gainsborough. It is held in the collection of the J. Paul Getty Museum.

About this work

Overview

This 1792 oil painting by Thomas Gainsborough captures a formal scene featuring two prominent figures: William Anne Hollis, 4th Earl of Essex, and Thomas Clutterbuck of Watford, accompanied by a dog, set against a dignified backdrop.

Subject & Meaning

The portrait conveys a moment of presentation, with the Earl of Essex (left, in brown) offering a silver cup to Thomas Clutterbuck (right, in blue with gold stripes), suggesting a gesture of honor, gift, or ceremonial exchange within their social context.

Technique & Style

Executed in Gainsborough's mature style, the work features a light palette and fluid brushwork, characteristic of his rococo-influenced approach during this period, emphasizing elegance and refinement.

History & Provenance

Part of the J. Paul Getty Museum's collection, this painting represents Gainsborough's esteemed position among 18th-century British portraitists, alongside Joshua Reynolds, with the artist also noted for contributions to the British landscape tradition.

Context

Created in the late 18th century, the painting reflects the societal formalities and artistic preferences of the time, with Gainsborough's dual expertise in portraiture and landscape painting influencing his approach to capturing human and environmental nuances.

Sir John Edward Swinburne, Thomas Gainsborough

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Artist & collection

Artist

Thomas Gainsborough

Thomas Gainsborough (; 14 May 1727 (baptised) – 2 August 1788) was an English painter, draughtsman and printmaker who specialised in portrait and landscape painting.