John Smart, self-portrait

John Smart (about 1742-1811)
Self-portrait
1797
Watercolour on ivory
Signed lower left, 'J.S.' in monogram, and dated '1797'
Museum no. P.11-1940
Purchased with funds from the Captain H.B. Murray Bequest

John Smart probably exhibited this self-portrait at the Royal Academy in 1798. He had worked in India from 1785 to 1796 and had not exhibited at the Academy before. This striking piece announced his return to London.