ENGLISH SCHOOL Half-length portrait of a gentleman seated in an interior

ENGLISH SCHOOL Half-length portrait of a gentleman seated in an interior, painted inscription "Sir Joseph Banks, President of the Royal Society 1778-1820", oil on canvas, 75cm x 61cm Sir Joseph Banks (1743-1820) was an English naturalist, botanist and patron of the natural sciences. He held the position as President of the Royal Society for over 41 years. The sitter in this portrait does not appear to be Banks however, a suggestion has been made that it is most likely William H Spottiswoode (1825-1883) who was President of the Society from 1878 until his death.