Robert Ramsden was one of several brothers, all of whom were painted by Reynolds.
The artist returned from Italy in 1752, and immediately won acclaim and many commissions. Ramsden was one of well over a hundred sitters who had their portraits painted in 1755. The strong colouring of the picture reflects Reynolds' study of Venetian painting during a three-week stay in Venice on his way home from Rome.
Provenance
Robert Ramsden; by descent to Mrs Butroid.