“D’Ewes Coke, His Wife Hannah and Daniel Parker Coke” is an oil on canvas artwork created by Joseph Wright circa 1781 to 1782. This portrait falls under the Rococo and Romanticism art movements. The piece features D’Ewes Coke, his wife Hannah, and Daniel Parker Coke positioned together in an elegant composition, with one subject seated and the other two standing beside him. The intricate detail and the vibrant yet harmonious color palette are emblematic of Wright’s mastery and the period styles of Rococo and Romanticism.
In the artwork, the three figures are situated against a backdrop of autumnal foliage, suggesting an outdoor setting that merges seamlessly with their particular arrangement. D’Ewes Coke, seated and holding a document, gazes thoughtfully forward, while Hannah, standing beside him, affectionately places her hand on his shoulder. Daniel Parker Coke, standing behind D’Ewes, engages the viewer’s eye by pointing towards a distant landscape, adding a dynamic element to the scene. The artist’s use of chiaroscuro highlights the depth and volume of the figures, while the soft textures of the attire and natural setting convey a sense of gentility and intimacy.
