Circle of John Opie, R.A. (St. Agnes 1761-1807 London)

This portrait would appear to be after the mezzotint by William Say of c.1798, after a self-portrait by Opie. In the present picture, the artist faces to his left, as in the mezzotint, although the original by the artist faces to his right (Private Collection). Opie's friend and publisher, Prince Hoare (1755-1834), also produced a portrait of the artist in pastel, facing to his left, very similar to the present pictre, now in the Royal Academy.

We are grateful to Viv Hendra for his assistance with the cataloguing of this lot.