This is a copy of the self-portrait painted by Reynolds in 1780 that was made to hang in the prestigious new headquarters of the Royal Academy at Somerset House. Reynolds wears scarlet robes signifying his honorary doctorate from the University of Oxford, and a black velvet cap which is a direct reference to the style commonly adopted by Rembrandt in his self-portraits. In order to produce this miniature version for the Prince of Wales (later George IV), Henry Bone was given permission to borrow the original oil painting from which he made a squared up drawing.

Cat. 40