The Earl rests nonchalantly on his sword, dressed in ceremonial satin and lace and showing off his shoes with rosettes. No other Knight was ever immortalised in such a relaxed pose, or actually wearing the Order's oversize hat with ostrich feathers.

Whereas the face is strongly painted with vermillion red, the fugitive carmine used for the robes has now turned to pink. The cross-legged pose from the antique is a typical 18th-century formula and, allied to the loose costume, far off gaze, undressed hair and falling curtain, evokes the era of Anthony van Dyck. A family reminder is the coot on his banner and one standing below it. (National Gallery of Ireland: Essential Guide, 2008)