Sir Benjamin Thompson, later Count Rumford (1753-1814) 1783

Editor: Here we have Gainsborough's portrait of Sir Benjamin Thompson, later Count Rumford. He's wearing a brilliant red coat. I'm curious, what do you make of Gainsborough's choice of color here? Curator: The red commands attention, doesn't it? It’s almost a dare, clashing delightfully with the powdered wig. Gainsborough, ever the rebel, uses color to suggest Thompson’s energy, his almost frantic pursuit of knowledge. It's a visual shout, I think. What do you make of that lacy jabot? Editor: It softens the overall intensity, adding a touch of elegance. I never thought about color being so confrontational. Curator: Gainsborough always has a surprise up his sleeve. It's fun to look deeper, isn't it?