The Artist

Andrea Soldi (c.1703–1771) was an Italian portrait painter born in Florence who gained prominence in mid-18th century England. Before settling in London around 1736, Soldi had worked in the Middle East, notably in Aleppo and possibly Constantinople, where he painted British merchants—some of whom later became his patrons in England. His elegant, Italianate style stood out from the more restrained British portraiture of the time, characterized by rich fabrics, vivid colors, and dramatic compositions. Between 1738 and 1744, he enjoyed considerable success, painting members of the nobility including the Dukes of Manchester and the Viscount Fauconberg. His portraits often conveyed a sense of grandeur and theatricality, reflecting both continental influences and the tastes of his elite clientele.