This portrait depicts Edwin Lascelles (1712 – 1795), the builder of Harewood House.
Edwin stands in the middle of the Harewood estate, with Harewood House in the background. Surrounded by his land and country seat, Edwin is shown with the markers of power, wealth and status traditionally associated with the aristocracy and ‘old money’.
The solid-looking oak behind Edwin suggests the stability and longevity of his family and house. Edwin is painted in a confident, open stance, surveying his country estate with pride. With one hand in his pocket and a hat tucked under his arm, he is presented informally and at leisure.
Edwin wears a red jacket and waistcoat, embroidered with gold and accompanied by expensive silk and lace accessories. He also wears a powdered wig, an essential accessory of male status in Reynolds’ day.
In this portrait, Reynolds builds a carefully constructed picture of wealth, status, class, family dynasty and power. It tells us how Edwin wanted his identity to be perceived by both his contemporaries and his descendants.
Found here

Cinnamon Drawing Room

Cinnamon Drawing Room
More British Portraiture
Harewood House is home to over 300 portraits. From Sir Joshua Reynolds and Thomas Gainsborough to Sir Alfred Munnings and John Singer Sargent, the Lascelles family have been painted by some of Britain’s leading portrait artists since the 18th century.

Princess Mary on Portumna
- British Portraiture

Portrait of Mrs Hale
- British Portraiture

Portrait of Louisa, 3rd Countess of Harewood
- British Portraiture

Portrait of Henry Lascelles, 2nd Earl of Harewood
- British Portraiture

Portrait of David Harewood OBE
- British Portraiture

Portrait of Arthur France MBE
- British Portraiture

Portrait of Lady Harrington
- British Portraiture

Portrait of Edwin Lascelles
- British Portraiture

Princess Mary on Portumna
- British Portraiture

Portrait of Mrs Hale
- British Portraiture

Portrait of Louisa, 3rd Countess of Harewood
- British Portraiture

Portrait of Henry Lascelles, 2nd Earl of Harewood
- British Portraiture

Portrait of David Harewood OBE
- British Portraiture

Portrait of Arthur France MBE
- British Portraiture

Portrait of Lady Harrington
- British Portraiture

Portrait of Edwin Lascelles
- British Portraiture
Explore our Collections
Harewood House Trust, boasts an incredible collection of furniture, ceramics, and paintings, as well as gardens and grounds brimming with plants from around the world.

British Furniture

Italian Old Masters

Sino-Himalayan Plants

British Furniture

Italian Old Masters
