Samuel Dottin and his brother Abel Rous Dottin
Sir Thomas Lawrence, c. 1783–4

Thomas Lawrence arrived in Bath in 1780, the eleven year old youngest son of an innkeeper. His father encouraged him to entertain his fashionable guests by making portrait sketches, usually in profile. Lawrence was only about 14 or 15 when he drew these portraits, like the boys they depict. It is possible he met the brothers while at school in Bristol. The friendship between Lawrence and the Dottins must have continued into adulthood as there are several other later portraits of Abel Dottin and his wife and family. These are the first two works by Lawrence to enter the collection at Holburne Museum.
More information
Title of artwork, date
Samuel Dottin and his brother Abel Rous Dottin, c. 1783–4
Date supported
2008
Medium and material
Graphite on paper
Dimensions
Each: 24 x 19 cm
Grant
4000
Total cost
16000

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