Portrait of Sarah Kirby (née Bull) and John Joshua Kirby

Thomas Gainsborough completed this informal double portrait of Sarah and John Joshua Kirby around 1751–1752, shortly after returning to his native Suffolk. The couple appears in a rural landscape with their dog, though X-rays reveal Gainsborough originally planned a grander French-style composition with a classical sculpture behind Kirby.

Gainsborough had moved back to Ipswich in 1748 after failing to establish himself in London. Life in Suffolk proved equally difficult financially. He relied on local professional people for portrait commissions. Joshua Kirby became one of his most important early patrons, and this commission likely cemented their lifelong friendship.

Kirby was a man of many talents. He authored an early illustrated book on Suffolk and wrote a well-known treatise on perspective. He also ran a general painting business where Gainsborough may have assisted. Later, Kirby taught perspective to the future King George III, who appointed him Clerk of the Works at Kew.

The two men remained close until death. In his final weeks, Gainsborough gave instructions to be buried next to Kirby in Kew churchyard. The National Portrait Gallery in London acquired this portrait in 1905. It is currently on long-term loan to Beningbrough Hall in Yorkshire.