James Boswell

Sitterback to top

• James Boswell (1740-1795), Biographer of Dr Johnson. Sitter associated with 16 portraits.

Artistsback to top

• Sir Thomas Lawrence (1769-1830), Portrait painter, collector and President of the Royal Academy. Artist associated with 682 portraits, Sitter in 25 portraits.
• Unknown artist. Artist associated with 6232 portraits.

This portraitback to top

Capturing Boswell late in life, this semi-caricature presents a rather self-important looking man. The exaggerated double chin and protruding nose reflect what the writer Fanny Burney (1752-1840) called his 'comic serious face and manner'.

Linked publicationsback to top

• Ingamells, John, National Portrait Gallery: Mid-Georgian Portraits 1760-1790, 2004, p. 63
• Levey, Michael, Sir Thomas Lawrence, 1979 (accompanying the exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery from 9 November 1979 - 16 March 1980)
• Levey, Michael, Sir Thomas Lawrence, 1979 (accompanying the exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery from 9 November 1979 - 16 March 1980)
• Saywell, David; Simon, Jacob, Complete Illustrated Catalogue, 2004, p. 68

Subject/Themeback to top

• Words and inscriptions