The artwork titled “Sir William Herschel (1738–1822)” was created by artist John Russell in the year 1795. This piece belongs to the Rococo art movement and is a portrait genre.
In the artwork, Sir William Herschel is depicted with a composed and dignified expression, capturing the sophistication and elegance associated with the Rococo movement. He is adorned in distinguished attire featuring a fur-lined garment, suggestive of high status and refined taste. His hair is styled in the period fashion, powdered and pulled back. The background is understated, with subtle gradients that draw focus to Herschel’s likeness. He holds an object in his hand, perhaps a document or a celestial map, hinting at his contributions and interests, thereby enriching the narrative of the portrait. The exquisite detail and careful rendering by John Russell encapsulates the elegance and finesse characteristic of late 18th-century portraiture.