William Farington of Shawe Hall, Lancashire Arthur William Devis (1712-1787)

The composition presents a gentleman posed outdoors, seemingly within a landscaped garden or parkland setting. He stands in a relaxed posture, one hand resting on his hip and the other lightly touching his coat lapel, suggesting ease and confidence. His attire is characteristic of mid-18th century fashion: a dark velvet waistcoat beneath a brown overcoat trimmed with fur, paired with close-fitting breeches and cream-colored stockings. The shoes are buckled, adding to the overall impression of refined gentility.
The background is rendered in muted tones, establishing depth through layers of foliage and distant trees. A rocky outcrop serves as a natural pedestal for the figure, elevating him slightly above the viewer’s eye level and reinforcing his status. At his feet sits a hunting dog, its posture attentive and alert, hinting at an interest in outdoor pursuits and perhaps suggesting a connection to rural life despite the subjects evident social standing.
The lighting is soft and diffused, illuminating the gentleman’s face and highlighting the texture of his clothing. The artist has paid particular attention to rendering the sheen on the velvet and fur, demonstrating technical skill. His expression is neutral, bordering on slightly melancholic; it avoids overt displays of emotion, contributing to a sense of quiet dignity.
Subtly, the painting conveys themes of landed gentry and their relationship with nature. The inclusion of the dog implies leisure activities associated with rural estates – hunting or tracking – while the carefully cultivated landscape in the background speaks to an appreciation for aesthetics and control over one’s surroundings. The gentlemans pose and attire suggest a man comfortable within his social position, possessing both wealth and refinement. There is a deliberate avoidance of grand gestures; instead, the painting focuses on portraying a quiet sense of self-possession and connection to the land he occupies.