A mezzotint after a portrait of Sir William Chambers; three-quarter length, turned to the left. He is seated at a table, with a pencil held to his mouth. His left hand rests upon folded plans. Beyond a column on the left is a view of Somerset House.1st of 2 states. Inscribed below, in scratched letters: Painted by Sir Joshua Reynolds / Engraved by V. Green, Mezzotinto Engraver to his Majesty, and to the Elector Palatine. / Published Dec.r 1st. 1780, by V. Green, N.o 29, Newman Street, Oxford Street.

This is one of two magnificent mezzotints which were published together on 1 December 1780, soon after the completion of the pair of paintings by Joshua Reynolds that marked the move of the Royal Academy of Arts to its new premises at Somerset House. Reynolds was the first President of the Academy and William Chambers (1723–96), the architect of Somerset House, was the Treasurer. See also RCIN 641007.

Chambers was effectively George III’s agent in the running of the Academy, so his relations with Reynolds were not easy. But Reynolds painted his rival with great dignity and gravitas, turning towards the viewer as if interrupted in the act of drawing, his pencil to his lips and a plan held down on the table before him; in the distance is an oblique view of Somerset House, his masterpiece.

Text adapted from Portrait of the Artist, London, 2016