The Reverend Thomas Levett and favourite dogs, cock-shooting James Ward (1769-1859)

Here we observe a gentleman positioned within a densely wooded landscape. He stands in a slightly theatrical pose, facing towards the viewer but with his gaze directed off to the left, suggesting anticipation or focus on something beyond the immediate frame. The man is dressed in formal attire – breeches, stockings, and a dark coat with lighter-colored trim – indicative of a position of social standing. A gun is held casually across his body, and he gestures towards a satchel at his feet, likely containing game birds.
Two dogs accompany him; one, a black spaniel or setter, sits attentively near the man’s legs, while another, a larger hound with a dappled coat, rests closer to the base of a prominent tree. Their postures convey loyalty and readiness for action, reinforcing the impression of a hunting scene.
The surrounding woodland is rendered in considerable detail, utilizing a palette dominated by greens and browns. Light filters through the canopy, creating patches of illumination on the ground and highlighting the textures of the trees’ bark. The background reveals glimpses of open fields and a distant sky, suggesting a transition from the enclosed forest to a broader rural vista.
The composition seems designed to convey an image of landed gentry engaged in traditional pursuits. The mans attire and demeanor suggest wealth and leisure, while the presence of the dogs and the gun allude to his role as a sportsman and landowner. There is a deliberate construction of identity here; the scene isn’t merely about hunting but about presenting a particular social persona – one rooted in rural privilege and connection to the land.
The artist has skillfully employed light and shadow to create depth and atmosphere, drawing attention to the central figure while simultaneously embedding him within his natural environment. The overall effect is one of controlled elegance and understated authority, reinforcing the subject’s position within a hierarchical social structure.