2 OF 4

Capability Brown

2 of 4 portraits of Capability Brown

Capability Brown

by Nathaniel Dance (later Sir Nathaniel Holland, Bt)
oil on canvas, circa 1773
29 5/8 in. x 24 7/8 in. (752 mm x 632 mm)
Purchased, 1989
Primary Collection
NPG 6049

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Sitterback to top

Lancelot ('Capability') Brown (1716-1783), Landscape gardener. Sitter in 4 portraits.

Artistback to top

Nathaniel Dance (later Sir Nathaniel Holland, Bt) (1735-1811), Painter. Artist associated with 62 portraits, Sitter in 2 portraits.

This portraitback to top

Brown's open, naturalistic landscapes, populated by grazing herds and punctuated by eye-catching buildings, were much admired. His sparkling eyes and slightly cocked head in Dance's portrait give him a relaxed and approachable air. Brown commissioned this image, which also circulated as an engraving, reflecting the new celebrity of the landscape gardener.