Leak Okeover, Rev. John Allen and Captain Chester at Okeover Hall, Staffordshire Arthur William Devis (1712-1787)

The composition presents a group portrait set within a sprawling landscape dominated by a grand estate. A sense of leisurely activity pervades the scene; it is not a depiction of labor or conflict, but rather one of established social standing and comfortable leisure.
Here we see five men arranged across the foreground, accompanied by several dogs and horses. The central figure, dressed in dark grey with a powdered wig, stands beside a grey horse, suggesting ownership or close association. To his right, a man in a vibrant red coat poses confidently, seemingly displaying a spirited chestnut stallion. This pairing of individuals and animals reinforces notions of status and control over resources – both land and livestock being significant markers of wealth in the depicted era.
The remaining men are positioned slightly further back, forming a line that subtly emphasizes their collective presence. Their attire – dark coats, breeches, and tricorn hats – indicates a shared social class, likely landowners or individuals of consequence within the local community. One man holds what appears to be a hunting hawk, hinting at pursuits enjoyed by the gentry. The dogs, positioned both standing and lying down, contribute to the overall atmosphere of relaxed authority and mastery over nature.
The landscape itself is rendered with considerable detail. A large manor house sits on a distant rise, its symmetrical design and expansive grounds signifying prosperity and permanence. Rolling hills and scattered trees create depth within the composition, while the cloudy sky introduces an element of atmospheric perspective. The light appears to be diffused, suggesting a late afternoon or early evening hour, further contributing to the sense of tranquility.
Subtly embedded within this seemingly straightforward portrayal are layers of meaning related to power and social hierarchy. The arrangement of figures – the central placement of the man with the grey horse, the confident posture of the man in red – suggests an intentional construction of status. The presence of the dogs and horses reinforces a connection to rural land ownership and traditional pursuits. The manor house serves as a constant reminder of wealth and lineage. Overall, the painting conveys a carefully curated image of landed gentry enjoying their privileges within a landscape they control.