Portrait Of An 18th Century English Gentleman - By Thomas Hudson (1701-1779)

A high quality, richly colored portrait of an 18th century gentleman by Thomas Hudson (1701-1779). The wealthy, self-assured gentleman is depicted at the waist in an oval cartouche wearing a powdered wig, rust-colored velvet jacket, ruffled white shirt and silk waistcoat. Such an elegant and refined model is exactly the type of patron who favored the work of Thomas Hudson. One would expect an individual of such status to look haughtily at us, but with his head tilted slightly, he throws the warmest and most sensitive expression at us. Fine brushwork, a shimmering costume, and a sympathetic sitter make this beautiful portrait a prime example of why Hudson's work was and remains so appealing. This portrait is in an excellent state of preservation and ready for use in a late 18th century carved and gilt frame with painted border. Thomas Hudson (1701-1779) During the 1740s Hudson became one of Britain's leading portrait painters. He had trained in his youth with his father-in-law, the theorist and painter Jonathan Richardson, from whom he absorbed and developed the audacious baroque portraiture. The earliest records of his work date from the late 1720s, when the artist began dividing his time between London and the West Country. Like many painters of the 17th and 18th centuries, he was often drawn to Bath to paint the seated wealthy that this spa town attracted. His studio in London became a hive of activity for wealthy patrons and budding students. Among his pupils were Joshua Reynolds, Joseph Wright of Derby and John Hamilton Mortimer. Hudson cast his spell with other budding artists from the British School and regularly met Hogarth, Hayman, Ramsay and Rysbrack at the Old Slaughter's Coffee House in St Martin's Lane. He collaborated with the painter Joseph van Aken, who painted the drapery for many of his finest works. This collaboration shows how great the demand for the artist's brush had become. Hudson's success as a portrait painter attracted many students who wished to study with him. Among them were figures such as Joseph Wright of Derby (1734-97), who was in Hudson's studio from 1751-3 and 1756-7, and Joshua Reynolds (1723-92), who worked for Hudson of 1740-43. The success of the latter, which did so much to transform British portraiture in the 18th century, nevertheless made him a powerful rival. Such was Reynolds' success that by the 1760s Hudson's style seemed old-fashioned and he had difficulty finding new commissions. Hudson retired to his villa in Twickenham, where he died in 1770. High resolution images on request. Worldwide shipping available. Canvas: 25" x 30" / 64cm x 76.5cm. Frame: 37.5" x 32" / 75cm x 81.5cm.