Francois-Xavier Fabre, French, active in Italy, 1766-1837: Lord Holland, 1795; oil on canvas, 105.4 x 85.2 cm. Ackland Fund. 87.21
Holland, a member of one of the most prominent political families in late eighteenth-century England, was portrayed by Fabre while both were living in Italy.
A curious aspect of the portrait is that it has been altered in the area around the head. Evidently Holland was first depicted with long flowing hair and then the hairstyle was changed. Short hair was associated with the culture of the French Revolution.
What can the portrait tell us about Lord Holland’s political sympathies?