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Nathaniel Hone, an Irish-born painter and a founding member of the Royal Academy of Arts in London, died on August 14, 1784. Hone was a significant figure in 18th-century art, known for his portraits, miniatures, and satirical works.
Early Life and Career
Birth and Background: Nathaniel Hone was born in Dublin, Ireland, in 1718. He initially trained as a painter in Dublin before moving to London around 1742, where he established himself as a portraitist and miniaturist.
Career in London: Hone became known for his portrait miniatures, a popular art form at the time, and later expanded into full-scale portraiture. His skill in capturing the likenesses of his subjects won him many commissions, and he became a prominent artist in London.
Royal Academy of Arts
Founding Member: In 1768, Nathaniel Hone became one of the 36 founding members of the Royal Academy of Arts, an institution established to promote the arts through education and exhibitions. The Academy was founded under the patronage of King George III and played a central role in the development of British art.
Controversies: Hone is perhaps best remembered for his satirical painting “The Conjuror” (1775), which caused a scandal within the Royal Academy. The painting was perceived as a direct attack on the influential artist Sir Joshua Reynolds, the first president of the Royal Academy, and possibly on Angelica Kauffman, one of the few female members. “The Conjuror” was rejected by the Royal Academy for its exhibition, leading Hone to organize a one-man show, a rare move at the time, to display the work and defend his position.
Death and Legacy
Death: Nathaniel Hone died on August 14, 1784, in London, at the age of 66.
Legacy: Despite the controversies during his career, Hone is remembered as an important figure in 18th-century art. His contributions to portraiture and his role in the founding of the Royal Academy highlight his significance in the art world of his time. Hone’s works are now held in major collections, including the National Gallery of Ireland and the Tate Gallery in London.
Nathaniel Hone’s life and career exemplify the challenges and achievements of artists in the 18th century, particularly in the context of the emerging professional art institutions like the Royal Academy. His legacy endures through his portraits and the impact he had on the art community in Britain and Ireland.