The artwork, titled “Sir Noah Thomas (1720–1792), Alumnus of St John’s College, Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians (1757),” was painted by George Romney, a prominent artist associated with the Rococo art movement. This genre of the artwork is a portrait, showcasing both the subject’s distinguished status and the artist’s meticulous attention to detail.
In the portrait, Sir Noah Thomas is depicted in a formal and dignified stance. He wears a tailored grey waistcoat adorned with gold buttons, indicative of his status and the fashion of the era. Draped over his shoulders is a red robe, further emphasizing his prestigious position. His right hand rests upon a table which supports several grand books, symbolizing his scholarly achievements and intellectual pursuits. The background of the artwork is subdued, directing focus solely on Sir Noah, his attire, and his serene expression. The careful rendering of textures, such as the sheen of the fabric and the intricate details of the books, exemplifies George Romney’s skill and the stylistic tendencies of the Rococo period.