Thomas Gainsborough

Portrait of John Sparrowe Esq

Portrait of John Sparrowe Esq by Thomas Gainsborough

Artwork Detail

John Sparrowe was bailiff of Ipswich thirteen times. Gainsborough stayed in the town between 1747 and 1759. This portrait hung in the medieval Sparrowe Ancient House, famous for its beautiful decorated plaster façade, until the early 20th century. John Sparrowe died without issue, and the house passed to a cousin. The painting demonstrates the fine modelling prevalent in Gainsborough's work during this period.

Title
Portrait of John Sparrowe Esq
Artist/creator
Thomas Gainsborough
Production date
1755-1758
Medium
oil on canvas
Dimensions
1270 x 1016 mm
Credit line
Mackelvie Trust Collection, Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, purchased 1956
Accession no
M1956/2/1
Copyright
No known copyright restrictions
Department
International Art
Display status
On display

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