The artwork, titled “Portrait of Colonel John Bullock,” was created by Thomas Gainsborough around the year 1780. Utilizing oil on canvas as his medium, Gainsborough’s work has been categorized under the Rococo art movement and is recognized as a portrait genre piece. Currently, the artwork resides in a private collection.
The artwork portrays Colonel John Bullock standing in an elegantly pastoral setting with a faithful dog by his side. The Colonel is adorned in period-specific attire, featuring a striking red coat with green accents, complete with an intricate lace jabot and breeches. He exudes an air of calm confidence as he leans casually against a stone structure, possibly a garden urn, with a serene landscape expanding behind him. The background suggests a lush, wooded area under a twilight sky, hinting at a sophisticated blend of natural and aristocratic elements. Gainsborough’s use of light and detail is evident, skillfully highlighting the textures of fabric, the gleam of the Colonel’s buttons, and the expressive yet obedient gaze of the dog gazing up at its master.
