Sir John Hawkins
(1719-1789), WriterMid-Georgian Portraits Catalogue Entry
Sitter in 5 portraits
John Hawkins was a lawyer and music scholar, best remembered for his General History of Music (1776). A contributor to the Gentleman's Magazine, Hawkins was probably introduced to Johnson by the editor, Edward Cave (1691-1754). Although unpopular within Johnson's circle, Hawkins remained on good terms with Johnson and was one of the executors of his will. When Johnson died Hawkins was commissioned to write a short biography as a preface to Johnson's collected works. His Life of Samuel Johnson (1787) was thought by the Bluestocking writer Elizabeth Carter (1717-1806) to represent Johnson 'impartially … very decently and candidly'.
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