Samuel Johnson (1709–1784)

© the copyright holder. Image credit: Dr Johnson's House

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Samuel Johnson was a writer, poet, critic and wit, most famous for his Dictionary of the English Language and for his vivacious character. Sir Joshua Reynolds made several portraits of his good friend Johnson. This is a copy of one of the most famous. Johnson’s characteristic squint was the result of a childhood bout of the ‘King’s Evil’ – tuberculosis of the lymph glands in the neck – which left him with poor sight and hearing. This painting is one of many copies of Sir Joshua Reynolds' portrait, originally commissioned by Henry Thrale for his library at Streatham Park; the original is in the Tate collection.

Dr Johnson's House

London

Title

Samuel Johnson (1709–1784)

Medium

oil on canvas

Measurements

H 94.5 x W 82 cm

Accession number

65

Acquisition method

presented to the Johnson Club, before 1906/1907

Work type

Painting

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Dr Johnson's House

17 Gough Square, London, Greater London EC4A 3DE England

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