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, English, 1723-1792
Title
Portrait of Robert Henley, 2nd Earl of Northington (1747-1786), Lord Lieutenant of Ireland
Date1782
MediumOil on canvas
Dimensions
126 x 100 cm
Credit LinePurchased, 1884
Object numberNGI.217
ProvenanceAuction, 2 June 1884, Marquess of Hertford sale, bt. Henry Graves & co.; purchased, Henry Graves & co., June 1884Exhibition HistoryRoyal Academy of Arts, London, 1785
Label TextRobert Henley briefly held the office of Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, for eight months, between June 1783 and February 1784. Here he is shown wearing the collar of the Illustrious Order of St Patrick, a chivalric order established in 1783; he held the position of Grand Master. Joshua Reynolds was one of the most sought-after portrait painters of his time, capturing the likenesses of the rich and famous. He painted a number of portraits of Henley. Henley was known as a bon viveur – one who indulged in the good things in life – and he died at the age of 38.