The artwork titled “Sir William Brownlow,” created by the artist John Riley in the year 1685, belongs to the Baroque art movement and is classified under the portrait genre. This formal and regal depiction demonstrates the stylistic characteristics of the Baroque era with its dramatic use of color, texture, and composition.
The artwork features Sir William Brownlow, dressed in an opulent and richly adorned costume. He is portrayed standing in a confident and relaxed pose, leaning against a stone structure, indicative of his status and nobility. The attire consists of a green garment embellished with intricate gold details, complemented by a voluminous crimson cloak draped around his shoulders. His white lace collar and cuffs add to the grandeur of his appearance. The background is dark, providing contrast to highlight the figure’s posture and costume, enhancing the sense of depth and realism characteristic of Baroque portraiture.