The artwork titled “Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Coltman,” masterfully painted by Joseph Wright around c.1770 to c.1772, is an oil on canvas measuring 101.6 by 127 cm. This piece, representative of the Rococo art movement, is a genre painting and is currently housed in the National Gallery in London, UK.
In this elegantly composed piece, Joseph Wright portrays Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Coltman in an outdoor setting. Mrs. Coltman is perched gracefully atop a white horse, adorned in a vibrant red riding habit that commands the viewer’s attention. Her gloved hand rests delicately on her husband’s extended arm, symbolizing their connection. Mr. Coltman, dressed in a blue coat with gold trim and a corresponding tricorn hat, stands confidently beside her, his posture exuding a sense of poise and refinement. The background features a lush pastoral scene with a dramatic sky, a dog at the hoof of the horse, and another horse grazing leisurely in the distance. The artwork encapsulates an idyllic moment of aristocratic leisure, reflecting the Rococo appreciation for elegance and refined beauty.
