Nathaniel Dance (later Sir Nathaniel Holland, Bt)

Nathaniel Dance-Holland painted this self-portrait around 1773, depicting himself in the manner of the distinguished Royal Academician he had become through his training in Rome and his successful London practice. Dance was among the founding members of the Royal Academy in 1768 and subsequently retired from professional painting after inheriting a fortune and receiving a baronetcy, becoming Sir Nathaniel Holland. His self-portrait documents the professional identity he was about to abandon, the confident portraitist at the height of his career before wealth and social advancement made painting unnecessary. The work reflects the aristocratic aspiration that pervaded the ambitions of successful Georgian artists.

The informal pose and direct gaze project professional confidence, while the handling of paint reflects the smooth Italian manner Dance learned from Batoni. Muted background tones throw the face into relief with restrained chiaroscuro.