Portrait of Captain George Meek

This charming portrait depicts Captain George Meek in his officer uniform as he gazes commandingly into the distance. He is stood stoically with one hand on his cane and the other in his pocket, suggesting an air of self-assurance. His uniform is a bright explosion of colour against the muted background landscape and instantly draws the attention of the viewer. Roth’s capabilities as both a portraitist and a landscape artist are apparent in this work, with notable attention paid to the physiology of the Captain’s face as well as the castle and mountains in the far background.

William Roth
William Roth was a landscape painter born in 1754, who exhibited at the Royal Academy. Whilst also being a portraitist, Roth is also known for his landscapes and is thought to have been influenced by Thomas Gainsborough, as he worked near Bristol during Gainsborough’s Bath period. Roth’s works are also likely influenced by Thomas Barker’s, who specialised in landscapes and depictions of rural life.