Thomas Coke, 1st Earl of Leicester

Sir Godfrey Kneller

Created:
Movement:
1717
None
key Notes:
Aristocratic portraiture, Baroque elegance.
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Dimensions:
50 x 40 1/4 in. (127 x 102 cm)
medium:
Oil on canvas
Difficulty:
Master
New game
story of the work:

"Thomas Coke, 1st Earl of Leicester" is a portrait painted by Sir Godfrey Kneller in 1702, commissioned to commemorate Coke's status and contributions as a prominent Whig politician and landowner. The painting exemplifies Kneller's mastery in capturing the grandeur of his subjects, reflecting the cultural and political milieu of early 18th-century England, while also serving to enhance the social standing of the Earl within the aristocracy.

Description of the work:

"Thomas Coke, 1st Earl of Leicester" is a portrait by Sir Godfrey Kneller, characterized by its formal composition and the use of rich, vibrant colors typical of the Baroque style. The subject is depicted in a three-quarter pose, adorned in opulent attire, with a backdrop that enhances his status, reflecting the artist's skill in capturing both the likeness and the social standing of the sitter.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Harvard Art Museum

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Thomas Coke, 1st Earl of Leicester