Mrs. Richard Brinsley Sheridan 1785 - 1787

Thomas Gainsborough’s "Mrs. Richard Brinsley Sheridan" (1785-1787) is a portrait of Elizabeth Linley, the wife of playwright Richard Brinsley Sheridan. The painting showcases Gainsborough’s signature style, with its loose brushstrokes and soft, atmospheric light. The sitter is depicted in a relaxed, almost informal pose, seated in a landscape setting, hinting at the beauty and tranquility of nature. Her gaze is direct, creating a sense of intimacy between viewer and subject. The overall effect is one of refined elegance, capturing the spirit of the late 18th century.