The artwork titled “The Honourable Charles Wolfran Cornwall,” created by Thomas Gainsborough between 1785 and 1786, is an exemplary piece attributed to the Rococo art movement. Rendered in oil on canvas, this portrait measures 228 x 148.5 cm and is part of the collection at the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) in Melbourne, Australia.
In the artwork, Charles Wolfran Cornwall is depicted seated in a dignified and grand pose, reflecting his esteemed status. The intricate detailing of his attire, which includes a luxurious black robe adorned with gold embroidery, showcases Gainsborough’s masterful technique and attention to detail. Cornwall’s attire, characterized by the lace cuffs and the traditional judicial wig, further underlines his position of authority and respect. The background of the portrait is kept relatively dark, with a rich, draped fabric that serves to enhance the figure’s presence and focus attention on the subject. Gainsborough’s adept use of light and shadow in the rendering of textures and fabrics imbues the portrait with a sense of depth and realism, emblematic of the Rococo style’s elegance and finesse.
