The artwork titled “Thomas Raikes (1741–1813), Governor of the Bank of England (1797–1799)” was created by the artist George Romney. This portrait belongs to the Rococo art movement and serves as an exemplar of its genre.
In the artwork, Thomas Raikes is depicted seated in a chair with a red cushion and backrest. He is attired in dark, formal clothing, featuring brass buttons and white stockings, traditional of his period. His hair is neatly coiffed, and his gaze is directed towards the viewer, exuding an air of dignity and calm authority. Resting one arm on a table adorned with writing implements, the background consists of a soft sky with clouds, lending a serene ambiance. The scene is carefully composed to reflect both the subject’s prominence and the refined aesthetic characteristic of Rococo art.