John Locke

John Smith after Sir Godfrey Kneller

National Gallery of Art

The image shows a torso-length portrait of a man seated with his body facing slightly to the side, but his head turned towards the viewer. He has a serene expression with distinguished facial features including prominent cheekbones and an aquiline nose. His hair is light, shoulder-length, and wavy, framing his face gently. The man is dressed in a robe or loose-fitting garment that drapes over his shoulder, giving the impression of formality. The clothing beneath appears to be a high-collared shirt. There is no visible jewelry or objects in his hands. The background is plain with an oval shape encircling the subject. At the bottom of the image is a dedication that reads: “Johannes Locke Ob. A. D. 1704. Ætat. 72.”