The artwork, entitled “Euseby Cleaver (1746–1819), Archbishop of Dublin,” was crafted by George Romney in the year 1796. This portrait, rendered in a style associated with the Rococo movement, depicts an esteemed religious figure from this period.
The artwork portrays Euseby Cleaver, an eminent Archbishop of Dublin, with a commanding yet serene presence. He is adorned in clerical attire, characterized by voluminous sleeves and a layered robe, emblematic of his high ecclesiastical status. Cleaver is captured in a composed stance with one hand gently resting upon a book, perhaps signifying his scholarly and religious pursuits. His expression, exuding a sense of dignified gravitas, aligns with the portrait genre’s traditional aim of conveying the subject’s status and character. The use of light and shadow in the painting effectively highlights the textures of his garment and the contours of his face, contributing to the overall depth and realism that George Romney masterfully achieves.
