In Tate Britain
Prints and Drawings Room
View by appointment- Artist
- Thomas Gainsborough 1727–1788
- Medium
- Graphite on paper
- Dimensions
- Support: 182 x 149 mm
- Collection
- Tate
- Acquisition
- Purchased as part of the Oppé Collection with assistance from the National Lottery through the Heritage Lottery Fund 1996
- Reference
- T08893
Display caption
This slight sketch was probably made
by Gainsborough during the 1740s, when
he was working in London. The large fur muff which the young man carries has
led to him being viewed as a 'macaroni', someone noted for his pretentious behaviour and flamboyant dress sense.
The figure may have been modelled upon
an articulated doll, or 'lay figure', rather
than a living model. Gainsborough often drew from lay figures at this time. The
man's lolling posture echoes figures by Francis Hayman, an artist who exerted
a considerable influence on Gainsborough during his formative years.
Gallery label, May 2002
Explore
- objects(23,044)
- people(35,276)
- actions: postures and motions(9,053)
- standing(3,140)
- adults(22,960)
- man(10,595)
- actions: postures and motions(9,053)
- society(34,917)
- lifestyle and culture(10,171)
- fashion(144)
- lifestyle and culture(10,171)
You might like
Thomas Gainsborough The Watering Place
date not known
Thomas Gainsborough Wooded Landscape with Peasant Reading Tombstone, Rustic Lovers and Ruined Church
1779–80, reprinted 1797
Thomas Gainsborough Sir Benjamin Truman
c.1770–4
Thomas Gainsborough Churchyard with Donkeys
date not known
Thomas Gainsborough A Road with Buildings on the Left
date not known
Thomas Gainsborough Coast Scene with Shipping
date not known
Thomas Gainsborough Mrs Susanna Gardiner
c.1780–5
Thomas Gainsborough Abel Moysey
c.1764
Thomas Gainsborough Gainsborough Dupont
c.1770–5
Manner of Thomas Gainsborough Mrs Sarah Walker
c.1770