Sir Thomas Lawrence

Sir Thomas Lawrence was thought to have had a beautiful face. His portrait was in such high demand that even King George IV anxiously awaited Lawrence's first self-portrait; thus, is not surprising to learn that the unfinished Lawrence “Self-Portrait” in London's Royal Academy traces its provenance directly to King George IV; however, substantial research indicates that the Royal Academy has the only authentic Lawrence self-portrait.

Whoever may have painted this portrait portrayed Lawrence well within the style of the day. The medal shown around his neck is probably the gold medal given to him by King George IV upon his inauguration as President of the Royal Academy. The star on Lawrence's left lapel represents the Insignia of Orders of his knighthood by the Prince Regent in 1815 and in keeping with tradition the star is worn on the left breast.

Catalog excerpt from "A Selection of British Paintings,” from the Fisher Gallery Collection (1600 – 1800). Entry by Jaqueline Crist. (Los Angeles: USC Fisher Museum of Art, 1988), 18.