Portrait of Hans Sloane (Killyleagh 1660 – Chelsea 1753), British physician and naturalist

Oil on canvas

127 x 104 cm.

With an important frame (minor defects and losses) 166 x 144 cm.

This highly charming and prestigious portrait depicts a gentleman who perfectly embodies the English aesthetic ideal of the late Stuart period, between the late 17th and early 18th centuries, with the rigorous elegance and authority typical of the British nobility and intellectual class.

It is a fine work by the renowned painter Jonathan Richardson (1667–1745), whose style is characterised by a sober, realistic and intellectual approach to portraiture, which redefined English Baroque painting and ushered it into the Age of Enlightenment.

Richardson did not seek the artificial idealisation of his predecessors, but aimed to express the moral dignity, character and social status of his subjects through a solid painterly technique and a skilful use of light.

Although there are no inscriptions revealing the identity of the sitter, the clear historical and visual parallels allow us to recognise his features as those of Sir Hans Sloane (Killyleagh, 1660 – Chelsea, 1753), the renowned British physician and naturalist, who in 1727 succeeded Isaac Newton as President of the Royal Society; renowned for having contributed to the founding of the British Museum in London, bequeathing to the British nation his vast collection of over 70,000 objects – including plants, natural specimens, antiquities and artefacts – thereby forming the museum’s original core collection.

In the portrait on display here, we can see all his extraordinary authority: beneath the inevitable and imposing 18th-century grey wig, his face displays proud and expressive features, marked by large, dark eyes that look directly at the viewer. His gaze does not convey the arrogance of a nobleman, but rather the pride and composed wisdom of a scientist who dedicated his life to cataloguing the natural world.

There are several official portraits – notably those by Godfrey Kneller and Stephen Slaughter – in which the scientist wears the same majestic grey ‘allonge’ wig, brown jacket and white cravat. The dignified pose, the facial features and the use of colour contrasts are almost identical, although each artist follows their own narrative style.

Looking more closely at our portrait, the eye is drawn to the elegant walking stick with its precious handle, upon which his hand rests – an indispensable accessory for any self-respecting gentleman, which at the same time lends an air of nobility to his bearing.

Another detail worthy of note is undoubtedly the choice of setting: outdoors, with a rocky ravine to the left of the subject, whilst to the right there is a glimpse of a lush garden, featuring large trees and finely detailed plants; both are elements that evoke the intellectual’s deep connection with nature, to which the artist wished to pay homage.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

The painting is framed in an attractive gilded frame and comes with a certificate of authenticity and a descriptive iconographic sheet.

We arrange and organise the transport of purchased works, both within Italy and abroad, using professional, insured carriers.

Should you wish to view this or other works in person, we would be delighted to welcome you to our new gallery in Riva del Garda, at Viale Giuseppe Canella 18. We look forward to seeing you!

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