Mezzotint engraving of thomas townshend, 1st viscount sydney (1732–1800) after a portrait painting by gilbert stuart. The sitter is portrayed at half-length, seated in an upholstered armchair studded with small nails, his body is nearly full-front with the head and eyes turned three-quarters left. He wears a dark coat with a collar of velvet, his coat being buttoned across his chest, but opened below, showing a waistcoat. His stock and shirt ruffles are of white muslin and his wig or hair is powdered. His face is plump and his complexion "beefy," expressing mental and physical activity with a look of hauteur. He sits beside a table covered with a cloth on which is an inkstand, two quill pens, a tray with a piece of sealing-wax, and a packet of letters, with one unfolded. His left arm rests upon the chair arm and the left hand, partially closed, is shown, but the right hand is concealed by the table. The background is plain. Date: circa 1790. Dimensions: 37.6 x 28.7 cm. Medium: mezzotint print. Collection: National Portrait Gallery. 1stViscountSydney
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