Queen Charlotte

Thomas Gainsborough

Created:
Movement:
1788
Rococo
key Notes:
Regal portraiture, Rococo elegance
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Dimensions:
23 3/4 x 17 1/2 in. (60.3 x 44.5 cm)
medium:
Oil on canvas
Difficulty:
Easy
New game
story of the work:

"Queen Charlotte" is a portrait painted by Thomas Gainsborough, a prominent British portrait and landscape painter of the 18th century. The exact date of its creation is unknown, but it is believed to have been completed around the mid-1760s. The painting depicts Queen Charlotte, the wife of King George III, who was known for her patronage of the arts and her interest in botany. Gainsborough's portrayal captures the queen in an elegant gown, adorned with intricate details, and set against a lush, natural background. The work exemplifies Gainsborough's skill in rendering fabric and his ability to convey the personality and dignity of his subjects. The painting is part of the collection at the National Gallery of Canada. Further details about its provenance or exhibition history are not extensively documented.

Description of the work:

"Queen Charlotte" by Thomas Gainsborough is an oil on canvas portrait that captures the likeness of Queen Charlotte, consort of King George III. The composition features the queen in a three-quarter pose, adorned in an elaborate gown that showcases intricate detailing and rich fabrics. Gainsborough employs a soft color palette dominated by pastel hues, which enhances the delicate features of the queen's face and the flowing lines of her attire. The background is rendered with a loose, atmospheric quality, suggesting a natural setting that complements the subject. The use of light and shadow creates a sense of depth, highlighting the queen's regal presence. Gainsborough's brushwork is fluid and expressive, contributing to the overall elegance of the portrait. The painting exemplifies the artist's skill in capturing both the physical likeness and the dignified demeanor of his subjects.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Metropolitan Museum of Art

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Queen Charlotte