Major John Dade, of Tannington, Suffolk c. 1755

This portrait of Major John Dade, created by renowned English artist Thomas Gainsborough around 1755, depicts the gentleman in a relaxed, informal pose, suggesting a break from the hunt. The relaxed setting and the presence of hunting dogs and a fallen bird, all carefully placed within a picturesque landscape, create a sense of the English countryside and its pursuits. Gainsborough’s depiction of Major Dade embodies the idealized gentleman of the era, blending a sophisticated portrait with a natural, almost casual, portrayal of his subject.