The Reverend Henry Case, later The Reverend Henry Case-Morewood (1746/7-1825)

Joseph Wright of Derby, ARA (Derby 1734 - Derby 1797). Oil painting on canvas, The Reverend Henry Case, later The Reverend Henry Case-Morewood (1746/7-1825), signed and dated bottom right: I. W. P. 82 [1782]. A full-length portrait of Henry Case, Rector of Ladbroke, Warwickshire who married Ellen Goodwin, widow of George Morewood, in 1793 when he assumed the name Morewood, in addition to his own. The Palmers, who inherited Alfreton Hall. Derbyshire and its contents from his wife's sister, were in no blood relation to him. He is seated to right beneath a tree in a landscape that rises to the right; he is dressed in 17th-century 'Van Dyck' costume of a black coat, breeches, and cloak and lace ruff; a book is supported on his knee. At his feet at the right a spaniel is asleep. This portrait and its pendant (NT1440718) date from the beginning of the period when Wright, by then less prolific as a portrait painter, was producing some of his best, and most naturalistic, likenesses. The pair of portraits were commissioned from the artist 11 years before the couple married. It is also a little incongruous that he employs the somewhat old-fashioned convention of 'Van Dyck' dress, but it may reflect some role-playing in the slightly curious relationship of the sitters. , Clandon Park, Surrey (Accredited Museum)