Porerait of Richard Milles 1765

Pompeo Batoni painted this portrait of Richard Milles in oil on canvas. The Grand Tour was a rite of passage for wealthy young men in the 18th century. It was a journey across Europe, primarily through Italy, meant to expose them to the art, culture, and history of the continent. Here, the carefully constructed image of Milles, draped in a red cape, set against a backdrop of classical ruins and picturesque landscapes, encapsulates the experience of this tour. Batoni was the most sought-after portraitist in Rome for visiting Britons. The column alludes to the sitter’s cultivation and appreciation of classical antiquity, while his fashionable attire marks his status. The painting operates as a kind of social transaction, meant to impress those back home of the sitter's cultured sophistication. Art historians consult passenger lists, travel journals, and commission records to understand who these patrons were, the routes they followed, and the social rituals they participated in, all contributing to our knowledge of the artwork.