John Plumpin by Thomas Gainsborough

Gainsborough knew how to transfer the resemblance to nature in a phenomenal way and he was able to use it for his material condition. It so happened that he was at the right time in the right place, namely – moved to the resort town of Bath, teeming with rich and idle loafers. And of course they very much wanted to perpetuate their person on the canvas. There were many orders. Here is a portrait of a portrait of such a wealthy secular rake. Walking in the park with the dog, he sat down on the trunk of the tree in a loose uninhibited pose. His young face expresses both confidence and a certain satiety with the pleasures that wealth offers him. The painting is painted in soft, pastel colors, like all Gainsborough paintings.