Thomas Gainsborough

Self Portrait (c. 1758-1759) by Thomas Gainsborough, at the National Gallery, London (Photo by the National Gallery)
Self Portrait (c. 1758-1759) by Thomas Gainsborough, at the National Gallery, London

A Titan of England's early baroque era

Like his rival ReynoldsThomas Gainsborough (1727-88) was known primarily as a Classicist/Baroque portraitist, but at least Gainsborough could be original.

Too bad his tastes ran to Rococo pastels, frothy feathered brushwork, and busy compositions.

When not immortalizing noble patrons, he painted quite a collection of landscapes just for himself.

Gainsborough's works grace:

Selected works by Thomas Gainsborough in England


Giovanna Baccelli (1782) Thomas Gainsborough in the Tate Britain, London

Portrait of Louisa, Lady Clarges (1778) by Thomas Gainsborough in the Victoria Art Gallery, Bath

Portrait of Mrs. Margaret Gainsborough (1778) by Thomas Gainsborough in the Courtauld Gallery, London

Where to find works by Thomas Gainsborough in England