To immortalise his social standing as Director of the East India Company, John Hunter commissioned the artist the most sought-after by the English aristocracy in the 18th–century, the young and prodigious Thomas Lawrence.
This work presents a full-length portrait of John Hunter, finely and elegantly dressed. The latter is holding a walking cane and a felt hat and is accompanied by his faithful dog. In true gentlemanly style, the model sat for his portrait at his sumptuous More Hall estate, located in Hertfordshire, north of London. Lawrence has sublimated the estate in the background by painting the light shining through the storm clouds, illuminating the setting with an enchanting mist.
This important commission was entrusted to Lawrence in 1789 when he was just twenty, heralding the young self-taught painter’s artistic success. His career culminated in 1820 when he took over from Benjamin West as the president of the Royal Academy of Arts in London, a position he held until he died.
Highly popular with both the bourgeoisie and royalty, the talented Lawrence revitalised British portraiture by adding a hint of romanticism.