John Belchier. Oil painting by or after O. Humphry.

1 painting : oil on canvas ; canvas 126 x 101.5 cm

The attribution to Ozias Humphry rests on the evidence of an engraving of this portrait by Walker, 1785, with attribution "Humphreys pinx.t" (Wellcome Collection 996i). Humphry was originally a miniature painter. However, "During the period 1777 to 1785 Humphry attempted to concentrate on oil painting, but without the success that he had enjoyed as a miniaturist before his trip to Italy. He failed to translate the qualities that lent such distinction to his miniatures-elegant and inventive compositions, rich colouring, and a grandeur in the presentation of his sitters reminiscent of Reynolds-to the medium of oil" (Oxford dictionary of national biography)

Christopher Wright et al., British and Irish paintings in public collections, New Haven and London: Yale University Press for the Paul Mellon Centre for Studies in British Art, 2006, p. 201

Wellcome Collection 45550i