Sir Charles Loch's life was spent working to improve the welfare of the poor and disadvantaged. Through pamphlets and other publications, letters to the press and public lectures, and by lobbying where and whenever he could, Loch made a great contribution to welfare policy and legislation. Sargent is usually thought of as a very flamboyant portrait painter but here the image seems appropriate to his sitter's concerns. Plainly dressed, Loch's face is bathed in light; he seems preoccupied with serious thoughts and avoids the distraction of meeting the gaze of either artist or viewer.