This mid-18th-century French oil painting depicts a middle-aged gentleman standing in a room alongside a Baker Mounted Lens Microscope. It’s probably the renowned English naturalist, Henry Baker FRS (1698-1774).
Dressed in a long, red, collarless coat, lace-trimmed shirt and waistcoat, he conveys wisdom, grace and financial security. The fashion aligns with the mid to late 1740s, when Baker was at the height of his notoriety.
Born in London, Henry Baker achieved international acclaim as a natural historian, but also as a polymath more broadly. His influence on the emerging and ever-curious scientific world was considerable, particularly regarding the evolution of microscopy. He authored three books, the first of which, The Microscope Made Easy, was an 18th-century bestseller.
In 1741, in recognition of his achievements, he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society and took an active role in its various activities for 30 years. Upon election, his citation read:
“A Gentlema
...n well versed in mathematicks and natural knowledge, particularly eminent for his great skill and happy success in teaching persons born deaf and consequently dumb to speak (having improved upon that great invention of the late famous Dr Wallis). Author of a very beautiful Poem called the Universe, with many curious notes regarding Natural History, and one who hath communicated some useful papers to the Royal Society, being desirous to become a Member of the same, is recommended by us as a Candidate well deserving that honour.” He was also elected a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries.
Our conclusion that this is plausibly a depiction of Baker is based upon two factors. Firstly, the prominence of his invention, the Baker Mounted Lens Microscope, and secondly, the likeness. Although our portrait is a little naive, it’s comparable with an image of him held at The British Museum.
The portrait was acquired in France, and Baker’s The Microscope Made Easy, which features an illustration of the microscope shown, was translated into French during the 1840s.
Held in a later frame.
Medium: Oil on canvas
Overall size: 15½” x 19” / 39cm x 48cm
Year of creation: c. 1745
Labels & Inscriptions: Later inscribed ‘Dr Synge’ on the reverse but this could relate to a previous owner or a misattribution.
Provenance: Private collection, France.
Condition: Cleaned. Revarnished. Canvas relined. Later stretcher. Fine craquelure throughout. The paint layer is stable. Frame with various marks and showing its age.
Our reference: BRV2165
Antique ID Number (AIDN): SA1157945
Dateline of this antique is 18th Century
Height is 48cm (18.9inches)Width is 39cm (15.4inches)Depth is 3cm (1.2inches)
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