Nathaniel Hone the Elder facts for kids

Self-portrait by Nathaniel Hone, around 1760.

Nathaniel Hone painted Harry Earl at age 15 in 1758. This miniature is in the Victoria & Albert Museum.

Nathaniel Hone (born April 24, 1718 – died August 14, 1784) was an Irish artist. He was famous for painting portraits and tiny miniature pictures. He was also one of the first members of the Royal Academy, a famous art group, which started in 1768.

Early Life of Nathaniel Hone

Nathaniel Hone's father was a merchant from Dublin, Ireland. As a young man, Nathaniel moved to England. In 1742, he married Molly Earle. They eventually made their home in London.

By this time, Hone was becoming known as a portrait painter. His larger paintings were popular. However, he was especially skilled at creating miniatures. These are very small, detailed portraits. He also made pictures using enamel, a type of glass-like material. From 1750 to 1752, he took a break from London to study art in Italy.

Famous Works by Nathaniel Hone

Many of Nathaniel Hone's portraits are now kept at the National Portrait Gallery in London. He painted many important people of his time. These included Sir John Fielding, a judge, and John Wesley, a famous preacher. He also painted General Richard Wilford and Sir Levett Hanson together in one picture.

Hone sometimes included his son, John Camillus Hone, in his artwork. One unique painting is "The Spartan Boy," created in 1774. This painting features his son.

The Conjuror Painting

In 1775, Nathaniel Hone created a painting called The Conjuror. This artwork caused some debate. It seemed to make fun of the popular Italian Renaissance art style. It also appeared to poke fun at another famous artist, Sir Joshua Reynolds. Because of this, the Royal Academy did not accept the painting.

To show that his artistic reputation was still strong, Hone held his own art show in London. This was one of the first times an artist had a solo exhibition of their work.

Nathaniel Hone's Family

The Hone family has ties to an old Dutch family. Nathaniel Hone's great-grandnephew was also a well-known Irish painter. He was called Nathaniel Hone the Younger (1831–1917). Another artist in the family was Evie Hone. Nathaniel Hone had two sons, John Camillus and Horace. Both of them also became artists.

Images for kids

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  The final version of The Conjurer, painted in 1775.

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  Nathaniel Hone's self-portrait from around 1760.

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  General James Wolfe, painted in 1768 after his death.

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  The Spartan Boy, painted in 1774.

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  Button Gwinnett, who signed the Declaration of Independence.

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  Another portrait of Button Gwinnett.