Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles James Lonsdale (1777-1839)

The portrait presents a man in profile, positioned slightly off-center within the composition. He is depicted against a dark, indistinct background that fades into near blackness, drawing immediate attention to his figure and face. The lighting emphasizes the planes of his countenance, highlighting the sharp angles of his jawline and forehead, contributing to an impression of intelligence and perhaps even severity.
The man’s attire suggests a position of authority or at least considerable social standing. He wears a dark green velvet jacket with gold embroidery along the front panels, paired with a crisp white ruff collar. The richness of the fabric and ornamentation signal wealth and refinement. His left hand rests upon what appears to be a bound volume, further reinforcing an association with learning, governance, or perhaps legal matters.
The gaze is directed towards something beyond the viewer’s perspective, lending him an air of contemplation or preoccupation. Theres a subtle tension in his expression; it isnt overtly joyful but rather suggests a man burdened by responsibility or engaged in complex thought. The rendering of his hair, with its carefully arranged curls and receding hairline, contributes to a sense of formality and deliberate presentation.
The overall effect is one of restrained power and intellectual gravitas. The artist has chosen to portray the subject not as a flamboyant hero but as a man of considered action, hinting at a life lived in the realm of diplomacy or administration. The subdued color palette and dramatic lighting work together to create an atmosphere of solemnity and importance, suggesting that this is a figure worthy of respect and perhaps even reverence.