William Robinson, later Sir William Robinson, Knt.

Kneller produced a distinguished image of British architect, military engineer, and politician Sir William Robinson. In this portrait, meant to elevate the sitter’s status and impress the viewer, Robinson wears fashionable clothes and accessories, such as a wine-brown cloak, a cravat with loose ends, and a long peruke, a wig that was highly popular in the 17th and 18th centuries. A drawing in his hand showing a geometric design probably refers to Robinson’s mathematical interests and engineering work. With his right hand, the sitter points to distant war ships, which may allude to his activities in the army during war time when Robinson held several posts managing provisions and resources allocated to the military in Ireland.