Search results

Start typing

Portrait of the Artist
This exhibition is in the past. View our current exhibitions.
THOMAS PATCH (C. 1725-82)

A self-portrait as an ox

c. 1768-70

RCIN 811275

The landscape painter Thomas Patch developed an interest in physiognomy, the supposed science of determining character through the form of one's face and body. This remarkable self-portrait is an exercise in false modesty: it alludes to the ancient idea that 'every painter paints himself', and Patch thus shows himself as bovine by nature. But the inscriptions in Latin and garbled Italian below are a quotation from the Gospel of Saint Luke, 'he that humbleth himself shall be exalted'.

No. 108


    The income from your ticket contributes directly to The Royal Collection Trust, a registered charity. The aims of The Royal Collection Trust are the care and conservation of the Royal Collection, and the promotion of access and enjoyment through exhibitions, publications, loans and educational activities.