Artwork Information

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.