Portrait of Mary Ingram (née Bellers), in a brown dress, white bonnet and fichu

Born in Eye, Suffolk, Hoare's talent in drawing became apparent from an early age and his father sent him to London for formal training under Giuseppe Grisoni (1699-1769). When Grisoni travelled to Italy in 1728, Hoare accompanied him, travelling to Rome where he remained for nine years studying the works of other artists in the city and meeting young Grand Tourists, many of whom subsequently became patrons.
Shortly after returning to England in 1738, Hoare moved to Bath where he settled and established a successful career as a portrait painter, executing works for patrons such as Charles Noel Somerset, 4th Duke of Beaufort (1709-1756) and Henry Herbert, 9th Earl of Pembroke (1693-1750).
Mary Ingram was married to Joseph (d. March 1741), recorded as a Cheapside Draper. In his will, dated 8 March 1741, he left 'The Hoxton property and any other real estate to his wife Mary (appointed executrix), with an annuity to his sister in law Christabell Ingram (bequeathed originally by his father). Bequests to his sons Thomas, Samuel and Robert, and his daughter Frances Vandewall, whose marriage settlement he confirms.'
We are grateful to Tancrède Hertzog for his help in preparing this catalogue entry.