Portrait of John Cockburn Ross of Rochester and Shadwick Alexander Nasmyth (1758-1840)

Here we observe a full-length portrait of a gentleman posed outdoors, leaning casually against a large tree trunk. He is dressed in fashionable attire indicative of late eighteenth-century British society: a dark green coat with gold embellishments, cream-colored breeches tucked into high boots, and a powdered wig styled with considerable volume. A hunting rifle rests propped against his leg, and a hat lies discarded on the ground nearby. A dog, likely a pointer or setter, sits attentively at his feet, gazing upwards.
The background is rendered in a looser style than the figure itself, depicting a landscape of rolling hills and fields receding into the distance under a hazy sky. The foliage surrounding the gentleman suggests a wooded area, possibly part of an estate or hunting ground. Light filters through the trees, illuminating the man’s face and highlighting the textures of his clothing.
The composition conveys a sense of relaxed authority and leisure. The mans posture is informal, yet he maintains an air of confidence and control. His hand resting on the tree trunk suggests a connection to the land, while the hunting rifle implies both skill and status – indicating participation in activities associated with the landed gentry. The dog’s presence reinforces this association with rural pursuits and companionship.
Subtly, the painting communicates notions of wealth, social standing, and mastery over nature. The meticulous rendering of the gentlemans clothing and features underscores his importance, while the expansive landscape hints at ownership and dominion. The overall impression is one of a man comfortable in his position within society, enjoying both the privileges and responsibilities that come with it. The seemingly casual pose belies a carefully constructed image designed to project an ideal of aristocratic virtue – combining refinement with a connection to the natural world.