The artwork, titled “Colonel George K. H. Coussmaker, Grenadier Guards,” was created by the artist Joshua Reynolds in 1782. This oil on canvas painting, executed in the Rococo style, measures 234.5 x 143 cm. It is a portrait genre artwork and is currently housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art (Met) in New York City, NY, USA.
In the artwork, Colonel George K. H. Coussmaker is depicted in a formal military uniform, adorned with red and white fabric, indicative of his affiliation with the Grenadier Guards. He stands in a composed yet relaxed posture, leaning against a substantial tree, which features prominently in the right portion of the painting. His left hand rests on his equine companion, a dark chestnut horse, which is positioned gallantly by his side. The background features a lush, natural landscape with an overcast sky, enhancing the dignified and stately ambiance of the portrait. The entire composition speaks to Joshua Reynolds’ mastery in capturing not only the likeness but also the esteemed bearing of his subject.
