This is a studio replica of Reynolds' famous self-portrait, now in the Royal Collection. It was painted towards the end of his life when his short-sightedness forced him to wear spectacles. It was clear that his illustrious career was drawing to a close, and there was therefore a great demand amongst his many admirers for copies of one of his last self-portraits.
According to his friend Edmond Malone, Reynolds is shown 'exactly as he appeared in his latter days, in domestick life.'