Who painted Earl of Shaftesbury?

Earl of Shaftesbury was painted by Thomas Heathfield Carrick in 1806.

Where can I see Earl of Shaftesbury?

Earl of Shaftesbury is held by National Library of Wales.

What movement is Earl of Shaftesbury?

Earl of Shaftesbury is associated with British Romanticism.

Artwork

Earl of Shaftesbury

Thomas Heathfield Carrick , 1806

Earl of Shaftesbury is an oil painting by the British Romanticist artist Thomas Heathfield Carrick. It dates from 1806 and is held in the collection of the National Library of Wales.

About this work

Overview

Thomas Heathfield Carring’s 1806 marble portrait presents Cropley Ashley‑Cooper, the 6th Earl of Shaftesbury, seated in a red chair. The sitter is dressed in a black jacket, white shirt, dark trousers and a black bow tie, his white hair contrasting with a solemn expression. A dark backdrop isolates the figure, emphasizing his dignified bearing.

Subject & Meaning

The work captures the Earl in formal attire, reflecting his aristocratic status and the decorum expected of a peer in early‑19th‑century Britain. The restrained palette and composed pose convey a sense of gravitas appropriate to his political and social role.

Technique & Style

Carrick, known for miniature portraiture, applied his skill to a marble surface rather than the customary ivory. The medium allows for fine detail in the facial features and clothing while the smooth stone contributes a subtle luminosity that enhances the portrait’s restrained Romantic aesthetic.

History & Provenance

Created in 1806, the marble portrait entered the collection of the Shaftesbury family shortly after its completion. It has remained associated with the family estate, serving as a visual record of the 6th Earl’s lineage.

Context

The piece belongs to the British Romantic period, a time when portraiture began to explore new materials and personal expression. Carrick’s choice of marble aligns with contemporary experiments in texture and durability, distinguishing his work from the prevailing ivory miniatures.

Portrait of Jonas Daniel Meijer (1780-1834), Louis Moritz

Artist & collection

Artist

Thomas Heathfield Carrick

Thomas Heathfield Carrick (4 July 1802 – 1874) was an English portrait miniature painter who portrayed many leading political and literary figures of his age.

Museum

National Library of Wales

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