Major Archibald Robertson of Lawers - George Romney
1782

“Born to a Lancashire cabinet maker, Romney worked in his father’s business but was later indentured to the itinerant painter Christopher Steele in 1755. He moved to London in 1762 where his talent for making likenesses was soon recognized. It even led to a rivalry between him and the leading portraitist of the day, Sir Joshua Reynolds. He tired of making portraits, but his talents clearly lay in this realm.

The grand and dashing sitter here is the ambitious and successful Scotsman Robertson rose to the rank of Lieutenant General in 1805. He is pictured as a major, in the red uniform and black velvet facings of the Corps of Royal Engineers. In the background we see Havana Harbor, Cuba, with Castillo del Morro on the right and the Castillo de la Punta on the left. The setting alludes to the then Captain Robertson’s involvement in the Harbor’s capture by the British in 1762. Robertson also fought in the Revolutionary War.” (Seen at MoFA)

All the remaining shirts are on etsy now! Have a lovely Sunday.

Portrait of Monsieur Gilbert DesVoisins, Councillor of State in Ordinary, 1761 - Guillaume Voiriot

“The setting of this portrait with its splendid lacquered bureau plat, chinoiserie ink wells in ormolu mounts, pile of papers, and elegant costume suggests a man of wealth and intellect. These details exemplify Voiriot’s superb craftsmanship; the artist’s direct involvement with his subject also distinguishes great eighteenth-century French portraiture. Gilbert DesVoisins de Laverniere was Voiriot’s most consistent patron in the 1760s. A review of the 1761 Salon describes the painting as being a “faithful and exact image,” and we may imagine from his open and relaxed pose that M. DesVoisins was an engaging and intelligent friend to the artist.”
- seen at MoFA