William Gifford c. 1800

John Hoppner's portrait of William Gifford, painted around 1800, is a prime example of English portraiture from the Neoclassical period. The subject, a poet and critic, is depicted with a thoughtful expression, wearing a dark suit with a white cravat, and holding a closed book. The artist captures Gifford's intelligent countenance and conveys the intellectual nature of his subject. The painting is currently housed in the Art Institute of Chicago, and its meticulous detail and refined style are characteristic of Hoppner's acclaimed portraiture.