Nathaniel Hone

Nathaniel Hone: Late 18th-Century Portrait, Paintings / Pictures

This elegant late eighteenth-century oil painting, attributed to a follower of Nathaniel Hone, captures the refined sensibility of English portraiture from the Georgian era. Showcasing the influence of one of Britain’s most accomplished portraitists, it embodies the sophistication and spirit characteristic of the period’s artistry.

Origin: England

Date: Circa 1775

Material: Oil on canvas, in original period frame

Dimensions:

• Framed Height: 90 cm (35.5 ins)
• Framed Width: 76 cm (30 ins)
• Canvas Height: 74 cm (29 ins)
• Canvas Width: 62 cm (24.5 ins)

Condition: Fine antique condition with an attractive, aged patina; the frame and canvas both present well, with minor signs of age commensurate with provenance.

Set within a gilded frame of the period, this portrait of a boy and his dog reflects the sentimental themes popularised in the late 1700s. Nathaniel Hone, a Dublin-born painter celebrated for both portraits and miniatures, profoundly influenced the English school of art after settling in London. Works of this calibre can be found in prestigious museum collections, revealing the enduring appeal of the Georgian portrait where personal identity and companion animals were often entwined.

Notable Features:

• Meticulous craftsmanship: the brushwork faithfully renders delicate facial features and the boy’s expressive connection with his loyal dog.
• Distinct Georgian aesthetic: balanced composition and subtle, harmonious palette evoke the era’s taste for domestic tranquillity and social stature.
• Collecting value: paintings linked to Nathaniel Hone or his followers are highly sought after for their historical resonance and decorative charm; the subject matter—a youthful sitter in an affectionate pose—is particularly desirable amongst collectors.
• Versatile appeal: well-suited for display in both traditional and contemporary interiors, this portrait can serve as a statement piece in a living room, foyer, or study, or form the focal point of an English paintings collection.

This late eighteenth-century portrait stands as a striking testament to the craftsmanship and timeless allure of English oil paintings, offering both aesthetic pleasure and a connection to the cultural currents of Georgian Britain.