Early 18th Century English Portrait Of A Gentleman - Attributed To Thomas Murray (1663 - 1735)

A highly decorative and richly coloured early 18th century portrait of a distinguished English gentleman, attributed to the celebrated artist Thomas Murray.

The elegant and attractive sitter is depicted half length within the oval. His head is inclined to face us directly, and he fixes us with the most confident and alluring gaze.

This gentleman’s status is further confirmed by his costume of a white shirt and stock and vibrant orange silk cloak which are which typical of aristocratic gentlemen of the period. He also sports a full and tightly curled chestnut wig which tumbles around his shoulders.
Known in England as periwigs (shortened to wig by 1675) they were expensive to purchase and titivate making them the preserve of the rich, hence the term 'big-wig' emerged to refer to the moneyed and powerful

This fine work is is presented in an excellent state of conservation, and is ready to hang and enjoy in a later gilded antique frame with spandrels.

Thomas Murray (1663 - 1735)
Murray was of Scottish origins. He studied under Riley (and also assisted him) and afterwards became a successful painter. Murray “was remarkable for his personal beauty, it is said, and for the elegance of his manner.” His portraiture retains an individual style (and is easily recognisable) even though his later work is heavily influenced by Kneller. However his earlier work draws a close comparison to John Closterman, who was a fellow pupil, and this period many consider him to have produced his finest. Murray enjoyed a successful practice amongst the clergy and gentry of the day and was very successful financially.

In 1703, he painted Queen Anne for the Society of the Middle Temple in London. He died in 1734, leaving no children, and bequeathed his money to a nephew with instructions that his monument, with a bust, should be erected in Westminster Abbey, provided that it did not cost too much; his nephew decided it was and retained the money. He is buried in St. Paul's, Covent Garden.

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Canvas: 25" x 30" / 64cm x 76.5cm.
Frame: 37.5" x 32" / 75cm x 81.5cm.