Jonathan Richardson the Elder, Self-Portrait, c. 1728 © The Courtauld Gallery, London.

LONDON.- This display explores a remarkable series of self-portrait drawings by Jonathan Richardson the Elder (1667 – 1745), one of the most influential cultural figures of eighteenth century England. A leading portrait painter, Richardson was also a highly acclaimed art theorist, an accomplished poet and amassed one of the greatest collections of drawings of the age. 

In 1728, at the age of 61, Richardson began to create self-portrait drawings, which he never intended to be seen beyond a close circle of friends. This little-known series of drawings show Richardson adopting a wide range of poses, guises and dress, in some cases deliberately evoking other artists, such as Rembrandt and Bernini, whose works he owned. More than this, they became the means by which Richardson reviewed his life and achievements. 

In one of the most original projects of self-exploration undertaken by an artist of the period, for over a decade Richardson repeatedly drew his own face. The drawings are often dated precisely, documenting from day to day his changing state of mind as much as his appearance. Many are drawn in chalk on large sheets of blue paper, from his own reflection in a mirror. Some are bold and psychologically penetrating, while others, in which he honestly confronts his ageing features, are deeply touching. A further group of self-portraits are drawn in graphite on small sheets of fine vellum and in these Richardson often presents himself in inventive and humorous ways. Sometimes, he copies his image from oil paintings made earlier, in order to recall his appearance as a younger man. 

Also included in the exhibition are four portraits of Richardson’s beloved eldest son, who shared his artistic and literary interests. Richardson was so close to his son that he even referred to him as ‘my other Self’. 

Together, these drawings form a unique and compelling visual autobiography. Above all, Richardson knew that it was through drawing – the medium he loved and described as “the very Spirit, and Quintessence of art” – that he could realise his extraordinary project of selfscrutiny and self-improvement. This group of works by Richardson makes an ambitious statement about the possibilities of drawing. It forms an important part of the Drawings Gallery’s aim to shed new light on fascinating or overlooked episodes in the history of draughtsmanship. 

This special display brings together The Courtauld Gallery’s fine collection of Richardson’s drawings with key works from the British Museum, the National Portrait Gallery and the Fitzwilliam Museum. It is accompanied by a publication written by Susan Owens, former Curator of Paintings and Drawings at the V&A, published by Paul Holberton Publishing. 

Susan Owens, curator of the display, says: ‘Richardson’s extraordinary self-portrait drawings reveal his humour, his search for selfknowledge, his unflinching honesty. Seeing the full range of these works is an eye-opener. We tend to think of sychological self-examination as a product of Romanticism – here is proof that it flourished in the Augustan age.’

Jonathan Richardson, Self-portrait at the age of thirty, 1735. Graphite on vellum, 146 x 116 mm, The Courtauld Gallery, London.