This is a portrait of John Christian Curwen (formerly John Christian). Born at Ewanrigg, Cumbria, he was a member of the Christian family of Milntown, Isle of Man. He added the name Curwen on his second marriage, to the heiress Isabella Curwen, who was the only daughter of the colliery owner Henry Curwen of Workington Hall. Curwen wears typical attire of a wealthy gentleman, a dark coat, white shirt open at neck and white neck cloth. He has short naturally white hair. Curwen was elected a Member of Parliament for Carlisle and sat as a Whig. He had strong radical views, opposing the aristocracy, and was in favour of political reform. In the 1820s he also entered the House of Keys where he opposed the Duke of Atholl's claims on the Isle of Man.