Sir John Fleming Leicester - James Ward

A portrait of Sir John Fleming Leicester by James Ward, featuring the Baron in military uniform alongside his horse, rendered in a moody Romantic style.

This portrait by James Ward depicts Sir John Fleming Leicester, 1st Baron de Tabley, in his military uniform. Ward, a painter known for his animal studies and equestrian subjects, brings a specific focus to the relationship between the sitter and his horse. The composition follows the tradition of the grand manner portrait, yet it possesses a moody, atmospheric quality characteristic of early nineteenth-century British Romanticism.

Sir John Fleming Leicester is shown standing beside his mount, his hand resting upon the saddle. The uniform, with its red jacket and military accoutrements, provides a sharp contrast against the dark, indistinct background. The horse, rendered with the anatomical precision for which Ward was celebrated, lowers its head, creating a sense of quietude that balances the formal posture of the sitter. The lighting is dramatic, with a focus on the face of the Baron and the texture of the military attire, while the surrounding space recedes into deep shadow.

Ward was an accomplished engraver before turning to painting, and his technical skill is evident in the handling of the paint, particularly in the rendering of the horse's coat and the metallic details of the harness. The work reflects the period's interest in the gentleman-soldier archetype, combining personal identity with the status afforded by military service. The muted palette and the soft, painterly application of colour contribute to the overall sombre tone of the piece. This print captures the nuances of Ward's brushwork, offering a clear view of the textures and the interplay of light that define the original composition. It is a representative example of the portraiture produced during a period when British artists were increasingly exploring the psychological depth of their subjects through the use of shadow and setting.