Thomas Gainsborough

One of the most well-known portrait and landscape painters of eighteenth century Britain, Thomas Gainsborough, was known for his simple settings, elegant brushwork, and extraordinary use of light. Credited as one of the originators of the 18th century British landscape school as well as a co-founder of the Royal Academy of Arts based in London, he was successful during his time and his portrait paintings were admired by elite patrons. In fact, Gainsborough’s most famous painting is “The Blue Boy” - a detailed portrait painting of Jonathan Buttall, a wealthy merchant’s son.