Kenneth Mackenzie, 1st Earl of Seaforth 1744 - 1781 at home in Naples: fencing scene

Lord Fortrose, later Earl of Seaforth, is the central figure in this painting. He is shown in his rented apartment in Naples, watching his guests practising their fencing moves. The man in black at the table is the Neapolitan composer, Nicolo Jommelli. One of Fortrose's visitors described the enjoyable lifestyle of this cultured expatriate: "After bathing we have an English breakfast and after breakfast a delightful little concert." The decoration of the room reflects fashionable neoclassical taste.