Artwork
Robert Wynne (c.1698 - 1771)
Robert Wynne (c.1698 - 1771) is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Thomas Hudson. It dates from 1720 and is held in the collection of the National Library of Wales.
About this work
Overview
Thomas Hudson’s oil portrait, executed in 1720, presents Robert Wynne, a gentleman born around 1698 who died in 1771. The work is part of the collection of the National Library of Wales, where it remains on view as a representative example of early‑18th‑century British portraiture.
Subject & Meaning
The sitter is shown with white, tightly curled hair, dressed in a brown jacket over a white shirt with a ruffled collar and a matching brown vest. His neutral expression and direct gaze engage the viewer, signalling status and confidence typical of a man of standing in the Georgian period.
Technique & Style
Hudson employs chiaroscuro, contrasting a dark, undefined background with illuminated facial features and clothing. This handling of light creates a three‑dimensional effect, emphasizing the texture of the fabrics and the sitter’s facial structure while maintaining a restrained, elegant composition.
History & Provenance
Since its creation, the portrait has remained in Welsh collections, ultimately entering the National Library of Wales. Documentation traces its ownership to the Wynne family before its accession, reflecting the work’s continuous association with the regional elite for whom it was originally commissioned.
Artist & collection
