“Sir Francis Holvering” by Johann Zoffany, Laing Art Gallery, Newcastle-upon-Tyne

This appealing portrait is enhanced by light colours and crisply painted details. Sir Francis Holvering is shown with a relaxed, semi-smiling expression. The coastal setting suggests that Sir Francis was connected with the sea trade or the navy. The setting is purely a backdrop and there is no attempt to create a sense of weather or the texture of the sand. This is characteristic of the approach to painting of the period.

Johann Zoffany was born in Germany but was a leading portrait painter working in Britain.

Object description
Type: Easel painting
Location: Laing Art Gallery, Newcastle-upon-Tyne
Material: Oil on canvas
Artist: Johann Zoffany (1733-1810)
Date: 1760-80

Image details
Date: 10 August 2019
Camera body: iPhone 7 Plus
Lens: Wide Camera 28mm ƒ/1.8
Focal Length: 28mm
Aperture: ƒ/1.8
Shutter Speed: 1/12s
ISO: 100
Licensing: Image of a North East Museums asset. This image cannot be licensed.