Portrait of Reverend John Chafy by Gainsborough

Acquisition at auction of portrait of Reverend Chafy, c1750-2, oil on canvas, 749 x 609mm. When Gainsborough painted this portrait John Chafy was in his early 30's and probably still a bachelor. Chafy, who at this time held a living in the parish of Great Bricett in Suffolk, was a talented amateur musician. Gainsborough too is known to have played several instruments with 'native skill' and was an active member of the Ipswich Musical club. this portrait was probably painted shortly before Chafy left East Anglia in early 1752: in the temple behind him is a statue holding a lyre, the attribute of the Muses of dancing and love poetry, evidently a reference to Chafy's forthcoming marriage.