The artwork titled “William Rastall” was created by Joseph Wright around the years 1762 to 1764. It is an oil painting on canvas and exhibits elements of both the Baroque and Romanticism art movements. The portrait measures 63.6 x 76.2 cm and is currently housed in a private collection.
In this portrait, the subject is depicted as a young boy dressed in period clothing typical of the 18th century. His attire consists of a dark coat with gold accents and a striped sash, accompanied by a white ruffled collar. Sitting at a table, the boy’s demeanor appears contemplative as he gazes slightly away from the viewer. His hands rest upon an open book, suggesting an engagement with reading or study. The background is rendered in dark, muted tones, which serves to emphasize the subject’s illuminated face and attire. The artistic technique, characterized by a play of light and shadow, reveals Wright’s meticulous attention to detail and his adeptness at capturing the subtle expressions and mood of the subject, indicating a masterful blend of Baroque dramatism with Romantic sensitivity.
