The frequency with which Hone chose to paint his own portrait suggests an artist ambitiously wishing to establish his status in the crowded London art world. Although several large oil self-portraits of Hone are known, only three self-portraits in miniature are recorded (see P. Caffrey, Treasures to Hold, Dublin, 2000, p. 19 and Bonhams, London, 28 April 2005, lot. 238). The present lot is an exciting addition to Hone’s previously recorded iconography.