Sir Martin Archer Shee – Mr Lewis as the Marquis in The Midnight Hour Part 6 National Gallery UK

The composition presents a gentleman posed in what appears to be a theatrical setting. He stands in a three-quarter view, leaning casually against a stone balustrade, which is itself supported by a substantial column partially obscured by shadow and drapery. The figure’s posture suggests an air of relaxed authority; he leans with a studied nonchalance that implies both power and ease.
The mans attire is elaborate and indicative of high social standing. He wears a dark, fitted coat with intricate detailing at the collar and cuffs, paired with breeches and buckled shoes. A voluminous red cloak cascades from his shoulders, adding to the sense of grandeur and suggesting nobility or aristocratic lineage. The cape’s deep color contrasts sharply with the darker tones of his clothing, drawing attention to its luxurious texture.
The artist has employed a dramatic use of light and shadow. The figure is illuminated by an unseen source, highlighting his face and upper body while leaving much of the background in relative darkness. This creates a sense of depth and mystery, emphasizing the subject’s presence within the scene. The stormy sky visible through the opening behind him contributes to this atmosphere, hinting at a narrative beyond the immediate portrayal.
The details further enrich the interpretation. A tricorn hat lies discarded on the balustrade beside him, suggesting a moment of respite from formal duties or perhaps an intentional rejection of rigid protocol. He holds a walking stick in his hand, a common accessory for gentlemen of the period, but here it seems more like a prop than a functional item.
The overall effect is one of carefully constructed theatricality. The setting and costume suggest a performance, lending credence to the title referencing The Midnight Hour. It’s possible that the work intends to portray an individual embodying a specific role or character – a nobleman playing the part of a Marquis – rather than simply depicting a portrait. This layering of identity – the man as himself, and the man as a persona – adds complexity to the reading of the piece. The painting seems less about straightforward representation and more about exploring themes of performance, social status, and perhaps even the constructed nature of identity itself.