Thomas Worlidge (Peterborough 1700-1766 London)

Worlidge, a portrait painter and etcher, divided much of his working life between London and Bath and is credited with introducing both William Hoare (1707-1792) and Thomas Gainsborough (1727-1788) to the work of Rembrandt van Rijn, whose drypoint etching style he imitated. The present drawing is clearly inspired by Rembrandt's Oriental Heads series, both in costume and pose. This, and the accompanying drawings, in both silverpoint and graphite, demonstrate the direct, confident draughtsmanship which is characteristic of Worlidge at his best. Whilst none are direct copies from Rembrandt, they all demonstrate elements of the short, broken line characteristic of his etchings and are certainly inspired by his technique.

Other examples of his drawings are in the British Museum, the Ashmolean Museum, and the Victoria Art Gallery, Bath.