A very skilfully captured portrait of a handsome young gentleman. The painter, in the circle of Sir Willliam Beechey, has imparted great character and vitality to the sitter, giving the young man a kindly expression that engages with the viewer. A handsome, large painting.

Circle of Sir William Beechey, late 18th century

Portrait of a young man, half-length

Oil on canvas

30½ x 25 inches without frame

38 x 33 inches with frame

Tha painting is unsigned but the style and format of the portrait, with the sitter set against a darkened background, very much recalls Sir William Beechey's portraits of the time.

Sir William Beechey was a successful portrait painter with unparalleled royal patronage. His intended legal career was cut short by a chance meeting with students of the Royal Academy Schools and in 1772 Beechey entered the schools himself. He first exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1776. After five years in Norwich, he moved back to London in 1787 where he stepped into the vacuum left by Gainsborough’s death and Reynolds’ retirement. He gained a reputation for straight-forward, unpretentious and careful portraiture and in 1793 he was appointed painter to Queen Charlotte. Not long afterwards he was made a member of the Royal Academy – on King George’s request, it was rumoured – but he fell from royal favour in 1806. He continued to exhibit at the Academy until the year before his death.