Born in Dublin in 1740, Hugh Douglas Hamilton is acknowledged as one of the most accomplished portraitists of his generation. He quickly made a name for himself developing close links with many important families in Ireland. Having established himself as a leading portraitist in pastel, Hamilton moved to London around 1764 where the fashionable set flocked to have their likeness recorded by the gregarious young artist. Such was his influence that many artists proceeded to draw in a similar style this present portrait being a good example of this.