The artwork, titled “Robert Thyer (1709–1781), Chetham’s Librarian,” was created by the artist George Romney. It belongs to the Rococo art movement and is classified within the genre of portraiture.
The artwork presents a solemn and dignified portrayal of Robert Thyer, who served as Chetham’s Librarian. Thyer is depicted from the chest up, wearing a dark coat that contrasts with the lighter tones of his face and white cravat. The background is rendered in a subdued, shadowy green, ensuring that the focus remains on the subject’s contemplative expression. His hair is styled in thick, voluminous curls, framing a face marked by broad features and a slightly furrowed brow. The overall mood of the portrait is one of seriousness and intellectual depth, which is evocative of Thyer’s esteemed position.
