John Vanderbank (1694-1739)

Self-Portrait, in three-quarter profile to the left, bust-length

Details
John Vanderbank (1694-1739)
Self-Portrait, in three-quarter profile to the left, bust-length
pen and brown ink, watermark 'L V GERREVINK'
7.1/8 x 5.7/8 in. (18.2 x 15 cm.)

Lot Essay

This drawing is almost certainly a self-portrait of the artist and can be compared to a similar drawing dated 1738, in the National Portrait Gallery (see M. Rogers, Master Drawings from the National Portrait Gallery, London, 1993, p. 39, no. 18, illustrated in colour).
As Rogers records, Vanderbank offers a 'characteristically abbreviated bravura style' portraying himself as a proud and handsome man, characteristics also seen in the present drawing.
Another similar self-portrait of this date is in the Victoria & Albert Museum.

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