The artwork “Lord Hastings, Governor of India” was created by Thomas Gainsborough between the years 1783 and 1784. This oil on canvas work belongs to the Rococo art movement and is a portrait genre piece. The artwork measures 230 by 150 centimeters and is housed in the Museo de Arte de Sao Paulo (MASP) in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
The portrait depicts Lord Hastings, the Governor of India, standing in an elegant and confident pose. He is dressed in an elaborate red military coat adorned with gold buttons and trim, which indicates his high status and position. His white breeches contrast sharply with the vibrant red of his coat. Lord Hastings’ posture is one of authority, with one hand resting on his hip and the other holding a cane, while his face conveys a sense of composed dignity. The setting is a natural landscape, with a large tree and distant hills providing a subtle, yet rich background that complements the figure’s grandeur and poise. The Rococo influence is evident in the soft, flowing brushstrokes and the refined, delicate details of the subject’s attire and background.
