“Portrait of Augusta of Saxe Gotha” is a Rococo-style oil on canvas artwork by William Hogarth, created around 1736 to 1738. The painting is a portrait genre piece depicting Augusta of Saxe Gotha. In this formal composition, Hogarth captures the elegance and poise typical of Rococo portraiture.
The artwork portrays a woman standing regally before a richly adorned backdrop. She is dressed in an elaborate gown with a red and white color scheme, accentuated with intricate gold embroidery and lace details. Her attire is complemented by a flowing red cape, signifying her status. The backdrop includes dark drapery with gold accents, enhancing the opulent atmosphere of the painting. Flanking her are cherubic figures, adding a touch of playfulness and symbolizing innocence or classical antiquity. Also depicted is a small black dog at her feet, adding to the intimate and personal nature of the portrait. The overall composition exudes grandeur and refinement, highlighting both the sitter’s stature and Hogarth’s meticulous attention to detail.
