Landscape with cattle and figures; sketch for the Rustic Courtship

Thomas Gainsborough (1727–1788) was an English painter, best known for his portraits and landscapes. He was born in Sudbury, Suffolk, England, and studied art in London under the tutelage of Hubert Gravelot and Francis Hayman. Gainsborough became a successful portrait painter and his works often depicted the upper classes of society. He was renowned for his ability to capture the personality and character of his subjects, as well as his use of light and colour. In addition to his portraits, Gainsborough also painted landscapes, which were influenced by the Dutch and French schools of painting. His landscapes were often romantic and idyllic, with rolling hills, winding rivers and pastoral scenes. Gainsborough was a founding member of the Royal Academy of Arts in London and was considered one of the leading painters of his time. He died in London in 1788, aged 61.