Artwork
The Wife of William St Quintin
The Wife of William St Quintin is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Thomas Gainsborough. It dates from 1767 and is held in the collection of the Tate.
About this work
Overview
The Wife of William St Quintin is an oil-on-canvas portrait painted by Thomas Gainsborough in 1767. It is part of the collection at Tate Britain.
Subject & Meaning
The portrait depicts Rebecca Thompson, the wife of William St Quintin, seated in a chair with a calm and serious expression. She is dressed in a white or light-colored gown with a high neckline and puffy sleeves, adorned with a hat or headpiece decorated with flowers or leaves.
Technique & Style
Gainsborough's use of a light palette and fluid brushstrokes is evident in the detailed rendering of the subject's dress, with its intricate folds and creases. The dark background serves to highlight the dress, showcasing the artist's skill in capturing the play of light on fabric.
History & Provenance
Thomas Gainsborough was a prominent English painter of the 18th century, known for his portraits and landscapes. The Wife of William St Quintin is a representative work from his oeuvre, exemplifying his contribution to British portrait painting.
Artist & collection
Artist
Thomas Gainsborough (; 14 May 1727 (baptised) – 2 August 1788) was an English painter, draughtsman and printmaker who specialised in portrait and landscape painting.
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