Portrait of John Malin, ca. 1768-69

Thomas Banks RA (1735 - 1805)

RA Collection: Art

The stern, resolute expression of the sitter, combined with the strong lighting and swathe of heavy drapery suggest a close affinity with the grandeur and drama of contemporary history painting. An inscription on the back reveals that "this fine drawing, declared…to be equal to anything by Leonardo da Vinci, is the portrait of John Malin, first Porter and Model of the Royal Academy". Malin was well-known amongst London artists as he had previously fulfilled the same dual role at the Saint Martin's Lane Academy. When he died in 1769 the Royal Academy paid for his funeral in gratitude for 'long and faithful services'. Banks exhibited this drawing at the Royal Academy two years later in 1771.