c. 1750

Portrait of Philip Stanhope

Pompeo Girolamo Batoni

Italian, 1708 - 1787

Eighteen-year-old Philip Stanhope had his portrait painted by Pompeo Batoni, one of Rome’s leading painters, during a Grand Tour, an educational trip through Europe that was customary for young upper-class men. Batoni’s portrait reflects English gentleman’s fashion: a black silk ribbon tied at the neck and a heavy velvet overcoat. Published correspondence between Stanhope and his father, Lord Chesterfield, concerning this portrait highlights the importance of appearance; a satisfied Chesterfield wrote, "... you will soon acquire all that I believe you want: I mean the air, the address; the graces, and the manners of a man of fashion."

The proper appearance also included signs of cultivated knowledge, evident in the studied ease of Stanhope’s pose, with one hand acting as a bookmark and the other suggesting thoughtful conversation. The emphasis on fashion and intellect in this portrait reveals Batoni’s skill in capturing a sitter’s individuality and aspirations.